By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA, Philippines — A plurality of Filipino voters surveyed expects Vice President Sara Duterte to face conviction in her impeachment trial, although a significant number remain uncertain about the outcome.
Results of PUBLiCUS Asia’s third-quarter PAHAYAG survey showed that 44 percent anticipated a conviction, compared with 31 percent who expected an acquittal. A further 25 percent could not determine how the proceedings would end, while 11 percent believed the case might conclude without a final ruling.
The poll was conducted before prosecutors from the House of Representatives dropped three of the four impeachment charges against Duterte last Tuesday.
Public attention to the proceedings remains high. Some 65 percent of respondents expressed strong interest in the trial, with half relying mainly on online news and television reports. Another 45 percent cited livestreams and live coverage as their sources of information.
Opinions were divided over the prosecution’s presentation. Between 44 and 46 percent viewed the evidence and witness accounts as adequate, while 38 to 40 percent wanted additional proof. The evidence had convinced 45 to 47 percent of those surveyed, whereas 37 to 38 percent remained doubtful.
The survey also found that 52 percent agreed with the Senate Impeachment Court’s approach of basing the required two-thirds vote on senators legally and factually qualified to participate.
With the adjusted voting threshold, half of the respondents expected at least 14 senator-judges to support Duterte’s conviction on the three remaining allegations involving grave threats, misuse of confidential funds and unexplained wealth.
ia/xf
