Former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) president Atty. Domingo Cayosa clarified Monday that Vice President Sara Duterte followed standard judicial rules when she submitted her own photographs upon posting bail for three counts of grave threats, denying allegations of special treatment.
Cayosa explained during a radio interview that Supreme Court regulations allow defendants who voluntarily surrender to provide their own recent photographs—commonly called mugshots—provided they meet court specifications showing the front and side views of the face.
“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.
Court personnel examine the four required copies to verify the defendant’s identity before attaching them to the bail documentation.
“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.
The former IBP chief emphasized that while individuals placed under police arrest undergo photo taking at police precincts, those who turn themselves in directly to the court can present pre-taken photos.
“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 addressed reports regarding Duterte’s safety concerns during her court appearance, noting that her personal appearance before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court was mandatory to process her bail for the bailable offenses.
“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.
“Kailangan pumasok ka talaga. Kung magsusurrender ka alangan naman yung korte ang lalabas para sa’yo. So, pumasok talaga siya,” he said.
Public queries regarding the lack of a traditional police booking photo arose following Duterte’s bail posting on Saturday, September 5.