MANILA, Philippines — A large majority of Filipinos want Vice President Sara Duterte to face a Senate impeachment trial, with 88 percent saying she should answer allegations in a formal proceeding, according to a survey released Thursday by research firm Tangere.
The poll, conducted from April 22 to 23, indicated that respondents viewed a Senate trial not primarily as punishment but as a venue for the vice president to publicly defend herself and address the accusations against her.
About 70 percent of those surveyed said Duterte should personally testify and respond to the allegations, while 51 percent want her to present evidence—such as bank records—to clarify financial issues raised against her.
The same proportion cited the need to uphold due process, describing the Senate trial as the proper constitutional mechanism for resolving impeachment complaints.
The survey also pointed to expectations that a trial could help restore confidence in government. Around 52 percent said facing the allegations directly could rebuild public trust in the Office of the Vice President, while an equal share said a public trial would ensure transparency.
Meanwhile, 44 percent believe a definitive legal process could end ongoing political attacks.
Support for a Senate trial was consistent across political affiliations, including Duterte supporters, opposition voters, administration allies, and undecided respondents, the firm said.
Tangere chief executive Martin Peñaflor said the findings suggest broad agreement among Filipinos on the need for a formal legal process.
“Whether supportive or critical, there is a shared view that the vice president should address the allegations in the Senate and be given the opportunity to defend her integrity,” Peñaflor said.
The non-commissioned survey polled 1,200 respondents nationwide using a mobile-based application and stratified random sampling, with a margin of error of ±2.77 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.