Political succession frameworks, constitutional disqualification mandates, and institutional stability parameters have come under strategic examination as legislative prosecutors highlight the statutory consequences of a potential impeachment conviction on future executive candidacies.
VICE President Sara Z. Duterte’s camp would need another candidate if she were convicted and disqualified from holding public office.
This was according to House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon as he cautioned against drawing firm conclusions from comparisons of different opinion polls.
“But if the VP is convicted and perpetually disqualified from holding public office, the implication there is siyempre they will have to look for an alternative candidate,” Ridon said.
Ridon was referring to a possible political consequence of a conviction and disqualification. He did not identify any potential replacement for Duterte.
The exchange followed questions about OCTA Research’s hypothetical 2028 matchup, in which Duterte received 40 percent and former vice president and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo 33 percent. Another 26 percent were undecided, chose neither candidate, or did not know whom to support, while 1 percent refused to answer. OCTA conducted the survey from September 28 to October 4 among 1,200 adults.
During the discussion, Ridon considered percentages reported by several survey firms. He also stressed the need to examine succeeding results.
“We will still have to look at the next set of surveys and the next set of results from the different survey firms,” Ridon also said.
“Kasi siyempre mahirap magkaroon ng correlation among the survey results of different firms,” Ridon also added.
He acknowledged the Duterte family’s continuing political backing, even as he discussed the consequences of a possible change in its candidate.
“Siyempre, we have to be honest na may significant public support pa rin ang Pamilyang Duterte,” Ridon also said.
Ridon declined to identify alternative candidates or suggest a settled destination for Duterte’s supporters.
“I don’t want to name the alternative candidates, pero magkakaiba ang mga resulta na nakikita natin from there,” Ridon also said.
He said support “can also go to other candidates na hindi nila kaalyado.” His answer left open the possibility that voters might move beyond the family’s existing political allies.
The prosecution’s immediate assignment, he said, concerned the evidence already presented and the defense phase ahead. Article II is the sole remaining impeachment charge after the withdrawal of three other articles.
Ridon described the panel’s task: “Depensahan ang mga naipasok naming mga ebidensya at paghandaan ang bawat araw na maglalatag ng ebidensya ang ating pangalawang pangulo.”