Majority of Filipinos Support Impeachment Trial for VP Sara Duterte

A recent survey conducted by OCTA Research reveals that approximately 80% of Filipinos believe Vice President Sara Duterte should face impeachment proceedings to respond to allegations against her. The Tugon ng Masa (TNM) Survey, released on July 27, 2025, reflects a significant public sentiment towards accountability in governance, underscoring the political dynamics in the Philippines.

The survey, which gathered responses from 1,200 individuals aged 18 and above between July 12 and July 17, 2025, indicated that support for an impeachment trial is widespread across various demographics. In the National Capital Region, 87% of respondents expressed support, while the figures for balance Luzon stood at 77%, the Visayas at 92%, and Mindanao at 69%. Support was also consistent across socio-economic classes, with 80% of Classes A, B, C, and D in favor, alongside 78% from Class E. The margin of error for the survey is ±3%, with a 95% confidence level.

The primary reason cited by 59% of respondents favoring the impeachment trial was the belief that Duterte should address the allegations to clear her name and demonstrate her qualifications for office. Additionally, 21% of respondents indicated that they believe the charges against her are valid, while 16% felt that facing impeachment is necessary for her eligibility in the upcoming 2028 elections.

Conversely, among the 14% who opposed the trial, 44% argued that the impeachment issue is a political conflict largely stemming from the rivalry between Duterte and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who was her running mate in the 2022 elections. Others expressed confidence in her integrity and disbelieved the allegations, accounting for 33% of opposition, while 19% suggested that she should focus on her duties instead of the impeachment process.

The survey's release comes on the heels of a Supreme Court decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte unconstitutional. Camille Ting, spokesperson for the Supreme Court, clarified that while the Court did not absolve Duterte from the charges, any new impeachment complaints could not be filed until February 6, 2026. This judicial ruling has significant implications for political accountability and governance in the Philippines.

Legal experts have noted that the Senate may still choose to proceed with the impeachment trial, asserting its exclusive jurisdiction over such matters, as stated by Domingo “Egon” Cayosa, a constitutional law expert. The impeachment complaints against Duterte, filed in December 2024, are primarily linked to allegations of the misuse of confidential funds. The fourth complaint was notably supported by over one-third of lawmakers in the House of Representatives.

Duterte has publicly entered a “not guilty” plea against the verified impeachment complaint, dismissing it as a mere “scrap of paper.” As the political landscape evolves, the implications of these developments continue to unfold, raising questions about governance, accountability, and the future of political leadership in the Philippines.

In conclusion, the overwhelming support for an impeachment trial from the public indicates a demand for transparency and accountability in government. As political tensions mount, the path forward for Vice President Sara Duterte remains uncertain, with potential ramifications for both her political career and the broader governance of the nation.