Most Filipinos Want VP Sara Duterte to Face Impeachment Trial

Nine in 10 Filipinos believe Vice President Sara Duterte should stand trial in the Senate, according to an April 2025 national survey by public opinion firm WR Numero.

The survey, conducted under the Philippine Public Opinion Monitor, revealed that 90 percent of Filipinos said Duterte must face the charges against her through a formal impeachment process.

Only 10 percent believe she should resign before the Senate trial begins.

The survey asked respondents to weigh in on the ongoing impeachment process and what should guide senators, known as Senator-Judges, in rendering their decision.

Half of the respondents (50 percent) said the Senate’s decision should be based on a thorough review of the evidence presented during the trial.

Nearly one-third (32 percent) said the verdict should reflect public opinion.

Far fewer Filipinos said Senator-Judges should be guided by personal conscience (7 percent), political loyalties (6 percent), or political beliefs (5 percent).

When asked whether Duterte should be removed from office, Filipinos were more divided.
One in three (34 percent) said the Senate should convict her on charges that include the alleged misuse of confidential funds, conspiracy to assassinate the president, and corruption during her term as Education secretary.
Meanwhile, 23 percent believe she should be acquitted and allowed to stay in office.
However, 43 percent said they were undecided on what the outcome should be.

WR Numero’s poll results indicate that while a clear majority supports due process and a full Senate trial, many remain uncertain about Duterte’s guilt or innocence.

The survey’s timing comes ahead of the Senate’s formal impeachment proceedings against Duterte, which are expected to begin later this year.

Calls for impeachment intensified in early 2025 following allegations that Duterte authorized the irregular transfer of PHP125 million in confidential funds and attempted to obstruct investigations into the spending.

She has also been accused of conspiring against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., further deepening political divisions within the administration’s coalition.

Despite the serious nature of the charges, Duterte has denied any wrongdoing and has vowed to clear her name during the trial.

In a previous statement, she said, “I am ready to face the Senate and answer all the allegations brought against me. I have nothing to hide.”

The WR Numero survey was conducted nationwide with a representative sample of Filipino adults, although the firm did not release its methodology or margin of error in the press statement.

The results are expected to influence the political climate ahead of the 2025 midterm elections, as both Duterte allies and critics rally public support.

The upcoming Senate trial will mark the first impeachment trial of a vice president in nearly two decades.