Nearly seven in 10 Filipinos want the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to proceed, with even some of her supporters backing the process so the allegations against her can be answered in a public forum.
Citing an April 2026 OCTA Research survey, a party-list solon said 69 percent of Filipinos favor the start of the impeachment trial, reflecting a broad public demand for clarity and accountability.
“Clear naman po ‘yung numbers, may recent survey nagsabi 69% gusto nang magsimula ‘yung trial. Kahit mga mismong supporters ni VP Sara, gustong magsimula para ma-clear ‘yung name niya,” Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co said.
The House of Representatives earlier impeached Duterte over allegations involving the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and threats against top government officials.
Duterte has denied the accusations and maintained that the charges against her are baseless.
She said the Senate trial would give the Vice President the formal venue to respond to the allegations, while allowing the public to see the evidence tested under the constitutional process.
She noted that many Filipinos have been waiting for direct answers on the issues raised during the impeachment proceedings, particularly after repeated opportunities were given for Duterte to address the accusations before the House Committee on Justice.
“Unfortunate lang na sa lahat ng opportunities na na-provide kay VP ay hindi niya po hinawakan ‘yun o ginamit para ibigay ‘yung sagot na taon nang hinihintay ng taumbayan,” Co noted.
She also warned that political developments in the Senate could influence the pace and direction of the proceedings, including possible efforts to prevent the trial from fully moving forward.
“Meron namang proposisyon na hindi talaga gawin at all ang trial. ‘Wag simulan dahil reflecting ‘yung posisyon ni VP Sara, quote and quote, baseless siya,” she said.
Despite this, Co maintained that the impeachment case should not be dismissed without trial, saying the allegations are supported by government records and public documents that must be scrutinized before senator-judges.
“Government documents ang hawak natin para masabi na may basehan na ‘yung impeachment offenses na china-charge sa kanya. Dapat i-hash out to a full-blown trial,” Co explained.
For Co, the survey result shows that the public is not merely watching the political process unfold but demanding that it be completed. She said the Senate must allow the case to proceed so the evidence can be heard, the defense can respond, and the public can judge the process for itself.