A recent survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) reveals that 41% of Filipinos support the impeachment or removal from office of Vice President Sara Duterte. The poll, commissioned by Stratbase, was carried out between December 12 and December 18, 2024, and involved 2,160 respondents across the Philippines.
Breakdown of Opinions
The survey found:
- 41% of respondents support impeachment.
- 35% oppose impeachment.
- 19% remain undecided.
Regional Insights
The support for impeachment varied significantly across regions:
- Luzon (excluding NCR): Highest support at 50%.
- National Capital Region (NCR): 45% in favor.
- Visayas: 40% support.
- Mindanao: Lowest support at 22%, with 56% opposing the impeachment.
Socio-Economic Divide
Support for impeachment also differed among socio-economic classes:
- Class ABC: Highest support at 50%.
- Class D: 41% in favor.
- Class E: 37% in favor.
Reasons for Impeachment
Respondents cited several reasons for their stance, with the top issues being:
- Misuse of Funds:
- 46% believe Duterte failed to explain how confidential and intelligence funds were used by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education during her tenure.
- 36% point to her refusal to cooperate with investigations on fund misuse.
- Unexplained Wealth:
- 25% flagged ill-gotten wealth in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth.
- Threats and Conduct:
- 24% noted threats she allegedly made against President Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
- 12% criticized her lack of self-control, citing a controversial press conference where she expressed extreme anger.
- Policy and Actions:
- 23% mentioned involvement in extrajudicial killings during her time as Mayor of Davao City.
- 13% were disappointed with her failure to condemn China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
- 11% criticized her overseas trip to Germany during Typhoon Carina.
Controversial Claims
Another 11% accused her of ordering subordinates to fabricate accomplishment reports and receipts related to confidential fund expenditures.
Political Context
The impeachment complaints, endorsed by six House of Representatives members, highlight growing tensions around Duterte’s leadership and accountability.
Next Steps
SWS noted a margin of error of ±2 in the survey results. GMA News Online has reached out to Vice President Duterte’s team for comment and will update the story as new information becomes available.
This survey sheds light on public sentiment, showcasing both support and opposition to the Vice President’s impeachment amid allegations of misconduct and unresolved controversies.
