Manila: House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor of Iloilo commented on Tuesday regarding the latest Pulse Asia and OCTA survey results, which indicate a narrowing lead for Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 presidential race. Defensor attributed this trend to Duterte's silence on the impeachment allegations against her.
According to Philippines News Agency, Defensor highlighted in a radio interview that the Vice President's ratings might be declining due to her lack of response to the impeachment complaints. He noted the widespread public engagement with the issue, given the accessibility of media platforms like TV, YouTube, and radio where committee hearings are broadcasted live.
As a member of the committee on justice, Defensor emphasized that with more evidence surfacing about alleged misuse of public funds, bribery, corruption, and grave threats, Congressional support for Duterte's impeachment could grow by the time the plenary vote occurs. He remarked that both congressmen and the public are beginning to appreciate the evidence being presented, potentially explaining the drop in Duterte's poll numbers.
The latest Pulse Asia survey, conducted from February 27 to March 2, revealed Duterte's advantage narrowing to 51 percent against Naga City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo's 43 percent. Similarly, in OCTA's March 19-25 survey, Duterte had 46 percent support against Robredo's 35 percent. Meanwhile, Pulse Asia showed a statistical tie between Duterte and Sen. Raffy Tulfo at 46 percent each, with each having strong regional support.
Previously, Duterte was the clear frontrunner in national surveys for the 2028 presidential race against figures like Robredo and Tulfo. However, the closing gap in recent surveys suggests a shift in public awareness of the sociopolitical issues surrounding Duterte, particularly the corruption allegations she faces in the impeachment proceedings.
Defensor noted that as more evidence emerges without a direct response from Duterte, public opinion seems to be changing gradually. He welcomed the increased public awareness on issues of corruption and impeachment, suggesting it could serve as a basis for decision-making in the 2028 elections.
Duterte had announced her presidential bid for 2028 as early as February 18, well ahead of the filing of certificates of candidacy. Despite Robredo and Tulfo stating they are not running for president and prefer reelection, their support has grown amid the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Duterte.
Defensor suggested that if Duterte is not impeached and convicted, she would be more challenging to defeat in a multi-candidate race. However, her chances of losing could be higher in a one-on-one contest. He advocated for non-Duterte candidates to unite for a stronger electoral base.
The House of Representatives is anticipated to vote on Duterte's impeachment on May 11, after allowing its 318 members time to review the unanimously approved articles of impeachment. With 55 votes already secured, only 51 more are needed to send the impeachment case to a Senate trial. Lawmakers like Defensor expect more members to vote in favor, influenced by the committee's findings, the evidence presented, and Duterte's ongoing silence on the allegations.
