Vice President Sara Duterte does not have immunity from suit while in office, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida said.

Vida clarified that only the president has immunity from criminal cases while in office under the existing legal system.

The DOJ secretary said Duterte's status as an impeachable official does not mean she cannot face criminal charges before a regular court.

“Consistent ang Department of Justice na sa umiiral po na batas na sistemang legal sa Pilipinas ang meron lang immunity from suit habang nakaupo ay ang ating mahal na pangulo,” Vida said

“Ang vice president po sa partikular na bagay na ito ay walang immunity,” he added.

The clarification came amid the argument from Duterte's camp that the criminal case against her cannot proceed while she remains in office as an impeachable official.

Duterte faces three counts of grave threats before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court following statements she made threatening the lives of the president and other officials.