A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey reveals that four in ten Filipinos, or 41%, support the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Conducted between December 12 and December 18, 2024, and commissioned by Stratbase, the survey highlights the nation’s divided stance on Duterte’s controversial tenure.

The survey found that 35% of respondents oppose the Vice President’s removal from office, while 19% remain undecided.

Regional Differences in Support

The level of support for impeachment varies across the country.

• Balance Luzon recorded the highest approval for impeachment at 50%, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) at 45%.
• In the Visayas, 40% favor removing Duterte, while Mindanao—her political stronghold—posted the lowest support at just 22%.
• Notably, 56% of Mindanao respondents oppose the impeachment, the highest level of opposition among all regions.

Support Across Socio-Economic Classes

The survey also showed a class-based divide:

• Support for impeachment was strongest among respondents in the ABC socio-economic class, with 50% in favor.
• In Class D, 41% support impeachment, while Class E recorded a slightly lower figure at 37%.

Top Reasons for Impeachment

The survey asked respondents about the reasons behind their support for impeachment. Here’s what they said:

1. Failure to explain confidential and intelligence fund spending (46%).
2. Refusal to answer investigations into the use of funds (36%).
3. Unexplained wealth in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (25%).
4. Threats to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez (24%).
5. Involvement in extrajudicial killings during her tenure as Mayor of Davao City (23%).
6. Failure to condemn China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (13%).
7. Emotional outbursts, including controversial comments about President Marcos (12%).
8. Trip to Germany during Typhoon Carina (11%).
9. Fabricated receipts and documents related to fund distribution (11%).

Survey Details and Pending Response

The SWS survey had 2,160 respondents nationwide, with a margin of error of ±2%.

This survey underscores a growing polarization among Filipinos regarding Duterte’s performance and accountability. While her Mindanao base remains loyal, the broader public’s concerns about transparency and governance could spell challenges for her political future.

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Daily Sun Chronicle Research

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