Nearly three in four adult Filipinos support allowing Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to proceed before the Senate, according to the latest OCTA Research survey.
The survey found that 74 percent of respondents favor the trial, while 21 percent oppose it and 4 percent are undecided. Support was highest in the Visayas at 82 percent, followed by the National Capital Region and Balance Luzon, while Mindanao posted the lowest support but still remained in majority territory.
House impeachment prosecutor and Manila Rep. Joel Chua said the numbers show that many Filipinos want the case heard in full, instead of being left unresolved.
“Malaking bagay po na namulat ang tao nung tayo po ay nag-conduct ng committee hearing sa Committee on Justice kung saan nakita po ng kababayan natin ang mga ebidensya,” Chua said.
The House Committee on Justice earlier conducted hearings where documents and testimony were presented in support of the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte.
Chua said the public wants the Senate impeachment court to begin the trial, hear the evidence, and bring the proceedings to a conclusion.
“Marami po ang nagtatanong at panahon na siguro. Isa sa mga gusto ng mga tao ay matuldukan na itong isyu ng impeachment, masimulan ang paglilitis at matapos na ang paglilitis at makita ng mga kababayan natin ang mga ebidensya,” he said.
He stressed, however, that support for the trial should not be read as a finding of guilt against the Vice President.
“Hindi naman po ibig sabihin na itong 82 percent ay naniniwala sila na guilty na ang ating Vice President. Bagkus, interesado sila na makita ang ebidensya at magkaroon na ng tuldok itong impeachment trial,” Chua said.
The Senate impeachment trial is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6, with opening statements from the prosecution and defense expected on the first day.