Manila: House lead prosecutor and Committee on Justice chair Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro announced on Monday that the latest OCTA Research survey indicates a strong majority of Filipinos support the continuation of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte. This, she said, validates the prosecution panel's belief in the public's demand for accountability.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Tugon ng Masa survey revealed that 74 percent of adult Filipinos are in favor of allowing the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial, irrespective of its eventual outcome. Only 21 percent opposed the trial, while 4 percent remained undecided. Luistro expressed that the survey results reflect the public's desire to see the constitutional process advance and to have the allegations against the Vice President addressed appropriately.
Luistro stated, "We welcome that survey; it only validates what we believe is the demand of the Filipino people now," during a press briefing at the House of Representatives. She emphasized that the public's wish is for the impeachment trial to continue, underscoring the importance of accountability mechanisms.
The OCTA survey highlighted support for the trial across all major geographic regions, with the Visayas showing the highest levels at 82 percent, followed by the National Capital Region at 81 percent, and Balance Luzon at 77 percent. While support was somewhat lower in Mindanao at 58 percent, a majority still favored proceeding with the trial.
In addition to expressing confidence in the impeachment process, Luistro remarked that the trial would aid Filipinos in evaluating Duterte's suitability for a potential presidential bid in 2028. "Considering that she has pronounced already her intention to run for president in 2028, this impeachment trial will help the sovereign Filipino decide whether or not she deserves the faith and confidence of the electorate," Luistro stated.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes accusations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and issuing threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Despite these allegations, Luistro refrained from making a judgment about Duterte's fitness for higher office, noting the need to hear the Vice President's defense.
Luistro emphasized that the impeachment process is designed to allow both sides to present their evidence before the Senate impeachment court. She stated that her role is dictated by constitutional duty, not personal preference, saying, "I am not simply motivated; I am bound by my constitutional duty. As I've been saying, this is not a question of choice."
