MANILA — Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union said Tuesday that growing public backing for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte reflects the impact of recent congressional proceedings.
Citing an OCTA Research survey, Ortega said support for the trial has risen to 74 percent, up from 69 percent in March, suggesting heightened public interest in the case.
He attributed the increase partly to the clarificatory hearings conducted by the House Committee on Justice, where impeachment evidence was discussed.
Ortega also suggested that Duterte’s absence from the House hearings contributed to stronger public demand for a formal trial before the Senate.
He added that the findings should encourage the Senate of the Philippines to proceed with the impeachment court trial as scheduled in July, saying Filipinos are eager for the proceedings to continue and hear the Vice President’s defense.
ia/xf
