69% back Sara Duterte impeach trial; Adiong urges VP to face allegations

MANILA, Philippines – A majority of Filipinos support proceeding to an impeachment trial for Vice President Sara Duterte, according to a recent OCTA Research survey, with House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms chairperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong saying on Saturday that the findings underscore the need to address the issues through the constitutional process.

Adiong, an assistant majority leader, said the survey result, showing that 69 percent of respondents favor a Senate trial or impeachment court proceedings, reflects public interest in having the allegations heard in the proper forum.

“I hope the vice president’s legal team will consider addressing all the allegations in the impeachment complaints within the proper forum. The latest survey reflects a clear public signal that Filipinos want these issues answered through the constitutional process now underway in the House committee on justice,” Adiong said in a statement.

He added that participation in the proceedings would allow the vice president to directly respond to the issues raised.

The survey, released by OCTA Research on April 15, found that 69 percent of adult Filipinos believe Duterte should face trial in the Senate or an impeachment court to address the allegations against her, while 28 percent disagreed and 3 percent were undecided.

The poll was conducted nationwide from March 19 to 25, 2026 through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult respondents, with a margin of error of ±3 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.

Adiong noted that the question presented to respondents focused on whether or not the vice president should face trial, underscoring that the issue at this stage concerns the process rather than a determination of guilt.

The same survey showed that 87 percent of Filipinos are aware of the impeachment case, indicating broad public attention to the issue.

OCTA also reported higher support levels in the Visayas (83 percent) and Metro Manila (81 percent), with Mindanao posting 61 percent.

Adiong said while survey results do not determine the outcome of the case, they point to sustained public interest in the proceedings.