Philippine senators take their oath as jurors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte at the plenary hall of the Senate in Manila on May 18, 2026. Philippine lawmakers were sworn in on May 18 to serve as judges in the trial of impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, the second attempt since last year to force her from office. (Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — A new survey by Octa Research shows that the vast majority of Filipinos — about 80 percent, or 4 out of 5 — either doubt that senators will judge Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial fairly based on evidence and the law, or have no idea what the outcome will be.
An Octa poll from April 20 to 24 shows that a staggering 81 percent of respondents are either skeptical or uncertain about the trial’s fairness — with 32 percent stating senators will likely side with politics over evidence, and 49 percent remaining undecided.
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Only 19 percent said they believed the senators would decide based on the evidence and the law alone.
