The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday, September 4, said it respects the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 98 ruling that denied Vice President Sara Duterte’s motion to defer or recall the arrest warrant issued against her over three counts of alleged grave threats.

In a statement, the DOJ said the court found probable cause to hold Duterte for trial on all three counts and ordered the issuance of a warrant of arrest.

“The Department respects the Court’s ruling and reaffirms its commitment to the rule of law,” the DOJ said.

The statement came after Judge Maria Angelica T. de Ramos of RTC Branch 98 issued the arrest warrant against Duterte on Friday. The case was filed by the DOJ under Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, in relation to the alleged grave threats.

The court set bail at ₱120,000 for the three counts. PNP-CIDG personnel were also seen at the Quezon City Hall of Justice following the issuance of the warrant.

Duterte later confirmed that she had been formally notified of the warrant, which was served at the Office of the Vice President (OVP). She said her lawyers, Atty. Paul Lim and Atty. Clifford Chua, would immediately attend to the matter.

The issuance of the warrant follows proceedings in which Duterte’s camp sought the dismissal of the complaint.