Most Filipinos believe senator-judges should decide the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte based on the law and evidence presented during the trial instead of political considerations, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by OCTA Research.
The July 2026 non-commissioned survey found that 71% of respondents expect senators to rely primarily on legal and constitutional standards when casting their votes. Only 21% said political considerations should play the bigger role.
OCTA emphasized that the survey does not ask whether Filipinos want the Vice President convicted or acquitted. Rather, it measures what the public believes should guide senators in carrying out their constitutional duty during the impeachment proceedings.
Survey Sets Baseline for Public Sentiment
The survey was conducted from July 4 to 11, 2026, through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 Filipinos aged 18 and above. It has a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level, while regional estimates carry a ±6% margin of error.
According to OCTA, the timing of the survey is significant because it was carried out during the opening phase of the Senate impeachment proceedings, before the presentation of evidence and before senator-judges reached any conclusions.
The research group said the findings provide a benchmark that can be used to monitor whether public confidence in the impeachment process changes as the trial progresses.
Preference for Due Process Seen Nationwide
OCTA reported that support for an evidence-based decision was consistent across the country's major regions, socioeconomic classes, and demographic groups, despite slight variations in the level of support.
The findings indicate that Filipinos broadly expect senators to perform their constitutional role fairly and impartially, placing greater importance on due process than political interests.
Public Looks Beyond the Outcome
The survey also suggests that many Filipinos distinguish the political nature of impeachment from the standards they expect senators to uphold. While recognizing impeachment as a political process, respondents still believe decisions should be anchored on constitutional principles and the evidence presented.
According to OCTA, the results reflect a broader public expectation for fairness, accountability, and respect for due process—regardless of the trial's final verdict.
