MANILA, July 9, 2025 — A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that a majority of Filipinos (59%) are aware of the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, with public opinion divided over whether she should be removed from office.
Conducted between June 25 and 29, the nationwide survey found that 42% of Filipinos oppose the impeachment complaint, while 32% support it. Eighteen percent remain undecided, and 7% admitted to having insufficient knowledge of the issue.
The impeachment, which was filed earlier this year over allegations of fund misuse and an alleged plot to retaliate against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the event of her assassination, has stirred political tensions. Although four separate complaints were submitted to the House of Representatives, only the fourth complaint was adopted and forwarded to the Senate.
Senate Under Scrutiny for Delays
The survey also showed that 44% of respondents believe that the Senate is deliberately delaying the impeachment trial, while 25% disagree and 22% are unsure. Nine percent said they lacked enough information to form an opinion.
This sentiment follows the Senate’s controversial move to return the Articles of Impeachment to the House of Representatives, demanding certification that the proceedings did not violate the 1987 Constitution and a commitment to prosecute the case after the 20th Congress convenes on June 30.
Legal experts have criticized the Senate’s action, calling it unconstitutional and warning that it sets a “dangerous precedent” by giving the upper chamber a role not defined by the Constitution.
Regional Differences in Support and Awareness
The survey highlights regional divides in public opinion:
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Metro Manila recorded the highest awareness level (68%) and the strongest support for Duterte’s impeachment, with a net agreement score of +12 (44% agree, 32% disagree).
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Balance Luzon followed with a +7 net agreement (40% agree, 33% disagree).
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Mindanao, Duterte’s political base, showed the strongest opposition, with a net score of –52 (13% agree, 65% disagree).
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The Visayas also leaned against the impeachment with –18 net agreement (28% agree, 46% disagree).
Belief that the Senate is intentionally stalling the trial was strongest in Balance Luzon with a +27 net score (49% believe, 22% don’t), followed by Metro Manila (+20), Visayas (+16), and Mindanao (+6).
Impeachment Trial Still on Hold
The impeachment trial remains stalled while the Senate awaits confirmation from the House that the complaint process complied with constitutional requirements. The House has already adopted a resolution certifying that the proceedings were valid and within legal bounds.
Despite efforts from Vice President Duterte’s legal team to dismiss the impeachment on constitutional grounds, public debate continues, particularly over her controversial “bloodbath” remarks, which added fuel to the impeachment effort.
Survey Background
The SWS survey included 1,200 adults from across the country, with 300 respondents each from Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The margin of error is ±3% nationally and ±6% per region.
The House initially impeached Duterte in February, and while her allies continue to defend her, the impeachment case remains a central flashpoint in the current political climate.
