A clear majority of Filipinos believe that Vice President Sara Duterte should respond directly to the impeachment charges filed against her, according to a June 2025 national survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group and conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).
A Stratbase news release said the poll found that 66% of respondents agree that Vice President Sara Duterte should confront the corruption allegations through the formal impeachment process.
The survey was conducted from June 25 to 29, 2025, among 1,200 adult respondents nationwide, with a ±3% margin of error for national figures and ±6% for NCR, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. Mindanao has notably brought down the approval numbers due to the mere 55% agreeing that she must address the charges.
This public sentiment is reinforced by results from a separate, non-commissioned SWS survey also conducted from June 25 to 29, 2025, which showed that 59% of adult Filipinos were already aware of the impeachment case even before being interviewed.
The nationwide survey involved face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult respondents equally divided across Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao (300 respondents per area), with a ±3% margin of error for national figures and ±6% for each region.
Awareness levels were highest in Metro Manila at 68%, followed by the Visayas (64%), Balance Luzon (57%), and Mindanao (52%).
The same survey revealed regional variations in public sentiment regarding the impeachment. Metro Manila showed the strongest support, with 44% agreeing, followed by Balance Luzon at 40% agreeing. Meanwhile, opposition was strongest in Mindanao, with only 13% agreeing, and the Visayas at 28% agreeing.
Additionally, 44% of respondents expressed belief that the Senate is deliberately delaying the start of the impeachment trial, suggesting rising demand for institutional accountability and prompt action.
Stratbase Group President Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit emphasized the significance of these findings in the context of public expectations around transparency and democratic governance.
“This level of awareness reflects a more engaged and vigilant public. Filipinos are watching closely and expect the country’s democratic institutions, particularly the Senate, to act decisively and impartially,” he said.
“When half the population is already informed about an ongoing impeachment case, it shows that citizens are not just passive observers. They are actively following developments, asking questions, and expecting accountability from public officials,” he added.
Manhit stressed the need for the process to proceed without political interference or unnecessary delay.
“Transparency, accountability, and due process are the foundations of a functioning democracy. Any perception of delay or inaction risks undermining public trust: not just in individuals, but in the system itself,” he shared.
