Vice President Sara Duterte was allowed to submit her own recent photographs when she posted bail over three counts of grave threats, an option available to defendants under a Supreme Court circular, a former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) said Monday.

Speaking on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Atty. Domingo “Egon” Cayosa said defendants who post bail are required to submit four copies of a recent photograph showing their face from the front and both sides.

He said the photographs, commonly referred to as mugshots, may be taken at a police station or at the court. However, defendants who surrendered and posted a bail have the option of bringing their own recent photographs, provided these meet the requirements under the Supreme Court circular.

“Nasa Supreme Court circular ho yan, mga requirements. Pwede ho naman na magpakuha ka ng sarili mo at dalhin mo na kapag nag-surrender ka sa korte,” Cayosa said.

The photographs are attached to the bail documents and are checked by court personnel to verify the identity of the accused, he said.

“Kung may dala ka na, pwede naman, ang kailangan lang ay ipakita mo kasi i-attach yan sa bail documents at yung nagpoproseso sa korte titingnan talaga kung ikaw nga ba yon,” Cayosa said.

Cayosa said the same procedure applies to other defendants who voluntarily surrender to the court and post bail.

In Duterte’s case, he said the vice president voluntarily surrendered to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court and was allowed to post bail because the three counts of grave threats filed against her are bailable offenses.

He also rejected suggestions that Duterte received special treatment because she did not undergo the conventional police mugshot procedure.

“Dumaan naman siya sa proseso. Diba may pagkakataon na ayaw niya pumasok daw ng korte baka raw may mangyari sa kanya pero hindi rin yun naibenta eh,” Cayosa said.

He further explained that if a person is arrested, police will take the required photographs at the station. But in cases where an accused voluntarily surrenders and posts bail, bringing their own recent photographs is allowed.

“Kapag nahuli ka, kukunan ka rin ng kapulisan sa kanilang presinto. Ito kasing kaso ng vice president kusang nag-surrender siya sa regional trial court [ng Quezon City].”

Cayosa also said Duterte still had to personally appear before the court despite reportedly expressing concerns about entering the courtroom.

“Kailangan pumasok ka talaga. Kung magsusurrender ka alangan naman yung korte ang lalabas para sa’yo. So, pumasok talaga siya,” he said.

Questions over the absence of a conventional police mugshot surfaced after Duterte posted bail Saturday, Sept. 5, in connection with the three grave threats charges.