MANILA, Philippines – Four in ten Filipinos, or 41% of respondents, support the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

Commissioned by Stratbase Consultancy, the survey was conducted from December 12 to December 18, 2024. It found that 41% of respondents favor Duterte’s impeachment, while 35% oppose it, and 19% remain undecided.

The survey also sheds light on regional support, political implications, and the ongoing controversy surrounding her office’s financial spending.

Survey Results: Nationwide Sentiment on Impeachment vs. VP Sara

Support for impeachment is highest in Balance Luzon, where 50% of respondents back the move. In the Visayas, 40% agree with impeachment, while 33% oppose it, and 24% are undecided.

However, in Mindanao, Duterte’s stronghold, only 22% of respondents support impeachment, with a significant 56% opposing the action.

Metro Manila recorded that 37% of respondents are against impeachment, indicating regional variances in political sentiment.

The Basis for Impeachment: Unexplained Spending of Funds

The survey revealed that 46% of Filipinos view the unexplained spending of confidential and intelligence funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education as the primary justification for impeachment. This finding underscores the controversy surrounding the management of government funds.

The issue revolves around the P125 million in confidential funds from 2022, which Duterte’s office has refused to clarify in Congress. This has fueled public dissatisfaction and raised concerns about transparency and accountability.

Additionally, 36% of respondents cited the Vice President’s refusal to address investigations on the use of confidential funds as another reason for impeachment. Meanwhile, 24% mentioned threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a contributing factor.

Impeachment Complaints Filed Despite Presidential Discouragement

Despite growing public sentiment for impeachment, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently discouraged solons from pursuing such actions against Vice President Duterte. He has argued that impeachment proceedings “do not benefit” the Filipino people and should be avoided in favor of more productive avenues of governance.

In 2024, however, three separate impeachment complaints were filed against Duterte within a single month, citing various grounds for the charges. These include allegations of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and graft and corruption.

The focal point of the accusations remains the unresolved issue of the P125 million in confidential funds, which VP Sara and her office have refused to address in Congressional hearings. This lack of transparency has continued to fuel opposition and calls for her impeachment.

The ongoing legal battle and the division in public opinion highlight the complex political landscape surrounding Vice President Duterte’s leadership, with implications that could affect the nation’s political dynamics moving forward.

📷 Inday Sara Duterte FB