Nine in ten Filipinos believe Vice President Sara Duterte should face the charges against her in the upcoming Senate impeachment trial, according to the April 2025 national survey of non-partisan public opinion firm WR Numero. Meanwhile, 1 in 2 Filipinos say the decision of Senator-Judges should be based on the weight of evidence.
The latest Philippine Public Opinion Monitor gauged Filipinos’ views on the impeachment proceedings. Filipinos were asked whether Duterte should stand trial, what should guide senators in making their decision, and whether she should ultimately be removed from office.
The majority of Filipinos (90%) said it is important for Duterte to face trial in the Senate. In contrast, 10% believe she should resign before the proceedings begin.
Regarding how Senators should decide the case, half of Filipinos (50%) said decisions should be based on the senators’ examination of the evidence. Nearly a third (32%) believe the verdict should reflect public opinion.
Far fewer said the decision should be guided by personal conscience (7%), political loyalties (6%), or political beliefs (5%).
When asked about the trial’s potential outcome, the public is divided. One in three Filipinos (34%) said the Senate should convict Duterte on charges including the misuse of confidential funds, plotting an assassination attempt against the president, and corruption during her tenure at the Department of Education.
Meanwhile, 23% said the vice president should be acquitted and remain in office. The largest share (43%) were unsure about what the Senate’s decision should be.
These findings are part of the WR Numero Philippine Public Opinion Monitor, Volume 2025, Issue 3 (Halalan 2025 National Survey). The survey includes the latest voter preferences for the May 2025 and 2028 elections, as well as public opinion on the conduct of the 2025 elections.
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