MANILA — A clear majority of Filipinos believe Vice President Sara Duterte should face the impeachment charges filed against her over alleged corruption, according to a nationwide survey released Tuesday by Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The June 25–29 survey, commissioned in part by the Manila-based Stratbase Group, found that 66% of respondents agreed Duterte should confront the charges “to be able to answer all allegations” tied to the corruption complaints filed against her.

Only 19% disagreed, while 15% remained undecided.

The push for impeachment proceedings gained the strongest traction in Metro Manila, with a striking 76% in favor, followed by 69% in Balance Luzon and 67% in the Visayas. Even in Mindanao — Duterte’s home turf — 55% still believed she should face the case.

Urban respondents were more inclined to demand accountability, with 70% in favor of the VP answering the charges, compared to 63% in rural areas.

By class, backing was strongest among the upper and middle classes (ABC) at 73%, followed by 66% among the working class (D), and 62% among the poorest Filipinos (Class E).

The survey, conducted via face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult Filipinos nationwide, carries a ±3% national margin of error and ±6% for each region.

The question posed to respondents was:

“Gaano po kayo sumasang-ayon o hindi sumasang-ayon sa pangungusap na ito: ‘Kailangang harapin ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte ang mga kasong impeachment upang masagot niya ang lahat ng paratang kaugnay ng mga kaso ng korupsyon laban sa kanya?”

‘A Vigilant Public’*

Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, president of the Stratbase Group, said the numbers reveal a “more engaged and vigilant public” holding government officials accountable.

“Filipinos are watching closely and expect the country’s democratic institutions, particularly the Senate, to act decisively and impartially,” Manhit said.

“When half the population is already informed about an ongoing impeachment case, it shows that citizens are not just passive observers,” he added. “They are actively following developments, asking questions, and expecting accountability.”

Manhit warned that any perceived delay or political interference by the Senate could deal a heavy blow to public trust.

“Transparency, accountability, and due process are the foundations of a functioning democracy,” he said. “Any perception of delay or inaction risks undermining trust — not just in individuals, but in the system itself.”

Duterte Under Pressure

The impeachment complaints stem from alleged irregularities in multi-billion peso confidential and intelligence funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President. While Duterte and her allies have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, pressure is mounting.

Malacañang has so far remained largely silent, while senators have pledged to “observe due process” — even as the impeachment case has been bogged down by repeated delays. These include the Senate’s refusal to begin the trial before recess, only to send the case back to the House of Representatives once session resumed.

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