About 3 in 4 Filipinos want Sara Duterte to face trial – OCTA poll

Rising Public Support for the Trial

Public support for Vice President Sara Duterte facing an impeachment trial has grown, according to OCTA Research. In April, nearly three in four Filipinos said she should answer the charges before the Senate. This marks an increase from the 69 percent recorded in March to 74 percent in the latest survey.

At the same time, 21 percent of respondents opposed holding the trial, while 4 percent remained undecided. These numbers reflect how many ordinary Filipinos across the country are paying close attention to the developments involving their leaders.

The rise in support shows that more people want the process to move forward so that the vice president can address the issues raised against her. This sentiment appears steady even as the overall backing stays below levels seen in earlier polls.

Understanding the Survey Methodology

OCTA Research carried out the survey from April 20 to 24. It gathered responses from 1,200 male and female participants across 240 sample barangays nationwide. The poll carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.

These details help give a clear picture of how the findings were collected from different parts of the Philippines. The broad reach across barangays allows the results to represent a wide range of voices from everyday communities.

Support for the impeachment trial stayed consistent across economic classes. More than 70 percent of respondents from classes ABC, D, and E backed the idea of a trial. This even spread suggests the view is shared by many Filipinos regardless of their economic background.

How Different Regions View the Issue

Regional results showed more uneven patterns than the national figures. Support reached its highest in the Visayas at 82 percent. The National Capital Region followed closely at 81 percent, while Balance Luzon recorded 77 percent.

Mindanao posted the lowest support at 58 percent. OCTA described this outcome as the most analytically significant finding because the region serves as the political base of the Duterte family.

In Mindanao, opposition stood at 41 percent, well above levels in other regions. This reflects patterns of regional political identity that have often set Mindanao apart from national sentiment on matters involving the Duterte family. Still, the national finding of majority support holds, even if the process remains more contested in Mindanao.

Comparing with Earlier Surveys

While support increased from March, the April figure remained below the levels from previous impeachment-related surveys on Duterte. OCTA noted 80 percent support in July 2025 and 78 percent in April 2025.

The difference in numbers highlights how public views can shift over time depending on the specific circumstances of each case. Filipinos continue to follow these developments closely as they affect trust in public officials.

The current situation presents its own context compared with last year. This helps explain why the percentages, though still high, sit lower than before.

The Allegations Facing the Vice President

Vice President Sara Duterte faces allegations of misuse of confidential funds, betrayal of public trust, unexplained wealth, and grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.

These charges form the basis for the impeachment articles that the Senate will consider. Many Filipinos see the trial as an opportunity for these matters to be examined openly in a formal setting.

The focus on these issues connects directly to concerns about accountability that matter to communities throughout the country. People want leaders to uphold the standards expected of public service.

What Comes Next in the Impeachment Process

The vice president has until 7 p.m. on Monday, June 1, to submit her answer to the articles of impeachment before the Senate impeachment court. This deadline marks an important step in the proceedings.

The trial itself is expected to begin on July 6. As the date approaches, Filipinos from different regions will continue to watch how the process unfolds and what it means for governance.

These next stages will allow the Senate to hear the responses and evidence. The outcome will likely influence how ordinary citizens view leadership and justice in the months ahead.