A new survey has revealed that most Filipinos support putting Vice President Sara Duterte on trial over allegations linked to the use of confidential funds.
According to the July 2025 Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research, 80% of respondents nationwide believe Duterte should undergo an impeachment trial. Only 14% opposed the idea, while 7% were either undecided or declined to respond.
Support for the trial was widespread across the country, with the highest backing in the Visayas at 92%, followed by Metro Manila at 87%, Balance Luzon at 77%, and Mindanao at 69%. Socioeconomic groups also reflected similar sentiments, with 80% support from Classes A to D and 78% from Class E.
Among those in favor, 59% said Duterte should face the charges to clear her name and prove her worth to stay in office. Another 21% said they believed the accusations were valid, while 16% argued that a trial is necessary if she intends to run in 2028.
Meanwhile, those against the trial cited political motivations, with 44% describing it as a conflict between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. About 33% stood by Duterte’s integrity, while 19% said she should focus on her duties instead.
The survey was carried out from July 12 to 17 through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult Filipinos.
These findings came shortly after the Supreme Court declared the current Articles of Impeachment against Duterte unconstitutional, following a petition she and her legal team filed. However, Court spokesperson Camille Ting clarified that this decision does not clear Duterte of any wrongdoing. A fresh complaint may be lodged starting February 6, 2026.
Duterte has repeatedly denied the allegations, calling the impeachment complaint a “scrap of paper” and entering a not guilty plea.
