Public support for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has climbed to 74 percent, according to the latest OCTA Research survey, a result welcomed by Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V as a sign that more Filipinos want the Senate proceedings to push through.
Ortega said the new figure reflects growing public interest in the impeachment case, especially after the Vice President did not participate in the House impeachment proceedings.
“The poll is a reflection of the growing interest of an increasing number of Filipinos in the trial of the Vice President, who has consistently stayed away from the House impeachment proceedings,” Ortega said in a statement.
The latest survey showed a five-percentage-point increase from the 69 percent support recorded in March.
“Ang ibig sabihin nito ay umakyat sa halos pito at kalahati, mula sa halos pito, sa bawat sampu sa mga kababayan natin ang gustong matuloy ang trial ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte,” Ortega said.
He said the increase also indicates that Filipinos want to hear Duterte answer the allegations against her in the proper forum.
“Ito’y nangangahulugan din na gusto nilang marinig ang sagot ni VP Sara sa mga paratang sa kanya, sagot na hindi nila narinig sa House impeachment process,” he added.
Ortega noted that the rise in support came during the period when the House Committee on Justice conducted clarificatory hearings on the impeachment charges.
He said the Vice President’s absence from the hearings, along with the evidence presented before the committee, may have convinced more Filipinos to support the Senate trial.
“Ako ay naniniwala na ang hindi pagtingin ng bise presidente sa mga pagdinig na ginawa ng komite noong Abril at ang mga ebidensya na iprisinta dito ay nakakumbinse sa marami nating kababayan na suportahan ang impeachment trial,” Ortega said.
Ortega said the latest survey should encourage the Senate impeachment court to proceed with the actual trial and presentation of evidence, tentatively set for July 6.
“Sa tingin ko, hindi papayag ang mga kababayan natin na maantala pa ito. Excited na excited na sila na matuloy ang trial at marinig si VP Sara,” he said.