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Janvic Mateo - The Philippine Star
June 1, 2025 | 12:00am
Vice President Sara Duterte
STAR / File
MANILA, Philippines — Following the conclusion of the midterm elections and the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a huge majority of Filipinos want her to work with the government for the sake of the country and to address the numerous allegations against her.
In a new Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, commissioned by the Stratbase group and conducted between May 2 to 6, respondents were asked what they think the Vice President should do after the elections.
Some 74 percent said Duterte “definitely should” collaboratively work with the government to prioritize the nation’s needs, with another 19 percent said she “probably should.”
This was followed by 68 percent who said she “definitely should” address the impeachment charges, answer allegations pertaining to corruption and clear her name. Another 20 percent said she “probably should” take this step.
Other actions included in the survey were about implementing her own platform and policies (61 percent “definitely should,” 25 percent “probably should”), continue her duties as Vice President and stop politicizing (59 percent “definitely should,” 22 percent “probably should”) and step back from criticizing the government and initiatives (50 percent “definitely should,” 25 percent “probably should”).
“Accountability is not an option. It is foundational to public trust. Prominent leaders like the Vice President should look past politics and personal interests, and respond to the people’s call for transparency. It is about time for her to answer all the allegations filed against her,” Stratbase president Dindo Manhit said.
“After all, it’s the Filipino people who our elected officials vowed to serve,” he added.
The SWS survey had 1,800 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus 2.31 percent.
Sara agrees with survey
Meanwhile, Duterte acknowledged the results of the latest SWS survey and said she is looking forward to the start of the impeachment trial.
“I totally agree. I am included in the 88 percent and I am even thankful for the opportunity to clear my name and answer the allegations against me,” she said in a chance interview in The Hague.
Duterte added that it is now up to her lawyers to discuss the possible impact of Senate President Francis Escudero’s “unilateral move” to change the calendar of the impeachment trial.
“It has no effect on me. I’m just thinking whether the delay has an effect on the case but I leave it to my lawyers, to the defense impeachment lawyers, to determine the possible impact of the delay on my case, in case there is,” she explained.
Escudero had reset the House prosecution panel’s reading of the Articles of Impeachment from June 2 to June 11, ostensibly to prioritize the passage of pending priority pieces of legislation before the June 13 sine die adjournment.
On a related note, Duterte thanked former Commissions on Elections commissioner Rowena Guanzon for offering to be her spokesperson.
“We did not discuss it at the Office of the Vice President on the issue of spokesperson but I salute the intelligence and courage of Atty. Rowena Guanzon, so if she wants to talk, just go ahead,” Duterte said.
The House of Representatives has named Princess Abante, daughter of outgoing Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante, as the official spokesperson of the lower chamber.
Meanwhile, President Marcos appointed Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro as his spokesperson. — Bella Cariaso
