Survey shows 88% Pinoys want VP Sara in Senate trial

A strong public clamor is building for Vice President Sara Duterte to face a Senate impeachment trial, with a new survey showing that 88 percent of Filipinos support the move—an outcome lawmakers say significantly raises the stakes for the House Committee on Justice.

Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said the findings of the Tangere poll reflect a shift from political noise to a broader public demand for accountability.

“Kapag 88 percent na ng mga Pilipino ang nagsasabing humarap ka sa impeachment trial, hindi na iyan simpleng opinyon lang ng iilan. Hatol na iyan ng public conscience na sawa na sa palusot, sawa na sa pa-victim at sawa na sa style na laging may script pero walang sagot (When 88 percent of Filipinos say you have to face an impeachment trial, that is no longer a simple opinion of a few. That is a decision of public conscience that is fed up with alibis, playing victim, and always playing a script but no answers),” Ortega said.

The survey, conducted from April 22 to 23, suggests that many Filipinos view a Senate trial not as punishment but as an opportunity for Duterte to directly address allegations against her. Around 70 percent of respondents said she should personally testify, while 51 percent want her to present evidence to clarify financial concerns.

For Ortega, the numbers challenge claims that the impeachment push is merely political persecution, pointing instead to what he described as a nationwide call for transparency.

“May panahon na uubra ang tapang-tapangan at may panahon na uubra ang puro parinig. Pero kapag umabot ka na sa puntong halos buong bansa ang gustong marinig ang sagot mo sa Senado, hindi na iyan simpleng PR problem; krisis na iyan ng credibility (There is a time when bravado and insinuations will work. But when it comes to a point when almost the whole country wants to hear your answers before the Senate, that’s no simple public relations problem, that’s already a credibility crisis),” he said.

“Ito na ang pinakamalinaw na mensahe sa kanya: enough na sa yabang, enough na sa drama, enough na sa pag-iwas. Humarap ka, sumagot ka at patunayan mo sa tamang forum kung may masasandalan ka nga bukod sa press release (This is the clearest message to her: enough of the arrogance, drama and evasion. Face us, respond to the allegations and prove before the proper forum if you have someone to back you other than press releases),” Ortega added.

In a separate statement, Terry Ridon echoed the sentiment, saying the public is seeking clarity—not spectacle.

“For me, that 88 percent is simple. The public wants answers, not noise,” Ridon said. “Kung mali ang paratang, humarap ka at sagutin mo sa tamang forum (If the allegations are false, face it and answer it in the proper forum).”

He stressed that the survey underscores a growing expectation for accountability grounded in evidence and official records.

“Kapag 88 percent na ang nagsasabing sumagot sa formal proceeding, hindi na puwedeng iwasan. Tama na ang daldal. Magpakita kayo (When 88 percent say they want you to answer before a formal proceeding, that cannot be avoided anymore. Enough with the chatter and show up),” Ridon said.

“Harapin ang ebidensiya, sagutin ang tanong, linawin ang record. Iyan ang hinihingi ng tao (Face the evidence, respond to the questions and set the records straight. That’s what the people is asking).”