Recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey indicates public support for the Senate impeachment court's transparent and impartial handling of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.
The Senate impeachment court in the Philippines has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent and impartial impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, amid findings from a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. The survey revealed that 51% of adult Filipinos agree that the Senate’s decision—whether acquitting or convicting the Vice President—should be accepted nationwide, reflecting general approval of the court’s procedural fairness.
Impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol remarked that these numbers reflect not only quiet confidence in the Senate’s even-handed procedure but also a challenge to further earn the trust of a cautious public. Tongol emphasized that the trial proceedings will continue to prioritize transparent, rules-based impartiality and due process. As preparations resume on November 9, 2026, for the presentation of the respondent’s evidence, the Senate plans to strictly enforce rules of evidence and ensure that final constitutional judgments command nationwide respect.
While public attentiveness to the trial remains high, Tongol noted that the survey measures sentiment only; senator-judges remain bound to render judgments based solely on law and admissible evidence. The SWS survey also indicated a divided public opinion on the justice of the prosecution, with 35% dissatisfied and 30% satisfied with the process.
The non-commissioned survey, conducted from September 21 to 27, 2026, used face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults across the Philippines. It carries a sampling error margin of plus or minus 3% nationally, with slightly higher margins in regional subareas. This public opinion survey and the court’s reaffirmed commitment highlight ongoing dialogues about the rule of law and public trust in high-profile political processes in the Philippines.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1007628/sws-survey-reflects-senate-impeachment-court-s-fair-procedure-tongol/story/