By Jose Cielito Reganit
MANILA – House of Representatives Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms Chair Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur said on Saturday that the recent OCTA Research survey showing majority of Filipinos backing an impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte 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.
“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, 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 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 the National Capital Region (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.”
Meanwhile, former Far Eastern University (FEU) law dean Mel Sta. Maria said it is now time for Duterte to attend the justice committee hearings and answer the impeachment charges against her.
In a televised interview, Sta. Maria said the Vice President is the only person who could explain the accusations of violation of the Constitution and other acts of wrongdoing against her.
He said showing up is also for Duterte’s benefit.
“Kaya napaka halaga, ito ay para rin sa kanya, para masabi niya sa mga tao na hindi totoo ang mga kuwento dito. Pero kung pupunta siya o hindi, hindi natin alam (That is why it is important for her to show up. This is also for her benefit, for her to deny the allegations against her before the people. But we do not know whether she would attend [the hearings]),” he said. (PNA)
