Manila: Most Filipinos are in favor of an impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, according to House of Representatives Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms Chair Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur. Adiong stated that the recent OCTA Research survey highlights the public's desire for the allegations against Duterte to be addressed in the proper forum.

According to Philippines News Agency, Adiong emphasized the importance of the Vice President's legal team addressing all allegations within the constitutional process currently underway in the House Committee on Justice. He remarked that the survey results clearly signal the public's interest in resolving these issues through formal proceedings, allowing Duterte to respond directly to the accusations.

The survey conducted by OCTA Research from March 19 to 25 revealed that 69 percent of adult Filipinos believe Duterte should face trial in the Senate or an impeachment court. In contrast, 28 percent disagreed with the idea, and 3 percent remained undecided. The poll involved face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents nationwide, with a margin of error of ±3 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.

Adiong highlighted that the survey question focused on whether Duterte should stand trial, emphasizing the procedural aspect rather than any determination of guilt. The survey also indicated that 87 percent of Filipinos are aware of the impeachment case, showing widespread public attention. Support for the trial was notably higher in the Visayas (83 percent) and the National Capital Region (81 percent), while Mindanao showed 61 percent support.

Adiong pointed out that while survey results do not dictate the case's outcome, they underscore the sustained public interest in the proceedings. In a related development, former Far Eastern University law dean Mel Sta. Maria urged Duterte to attend the justice committee hearings to address the impeachment charges against her. In a televised interview, Sta. Maria stressed that Duterte is the only one who can clarify the accusations of constitutional violations and other alleged misconduct.

Sta. Maria further noted that attending the hearings would benefit Duterte, allowing her to refute the allegations publicly. However, he acknowledged the uncertainty regarding whether Duterte would choose to participate in the hearings.