SWS: Sara Duterte's defense gets higher net satisfaction than prosecution

Thirty-five percent of adult Filipinos are dissatisfied, while 30 percent are satisfied "that the prosecution of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte is being done in a just manner," according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Wednesday.

Twelve percent were very satisfied, and 18% were somewhat satisfied. Another 21% were somewhat dissatisfied, and 14% were very dissatisfied. The remaining 36% were undecided.

The September 21 to 27 survey, fielded before the House prosecution dropped three of the four articles of impeachment, yielded a net satisfaction rating of -5 for the prosecution, based on the difference between the percentage of satisfied and dissatisfied respondents.

Meanwhile, 47% of respondents were satisfied with the fairness of Duterte's defense by her lawyers, while 24% were dissatisfied, resulting in a net satisfaction rating of +23.

Background

The Third Quarter 2026 Social Weather Survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,500 adults nationwide: 600 in Balance Luzon (or Luzon outside Metro Manila) and 300 each in Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The sampling error margins are ±3% for national percentages, ±4% for Balance Luzon, and ±6% each for Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

The survey was non-commissioned.

On October 13, 2026, the Senate impeachment court granted the prosecution’s motion to drop Articles I, III, and IV, leaving only Article II, on unexplained wealth. The defense is scheduled to begin presenting its evidence when the trial resumes on November 9, 2026.

Estrada, Corona trials

According to SWS, net satisfaction with the prosecution is lower than in the trials of then President Joseph Estrada and Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

During the Estrada impeachment trial, net satisfaction with the prosecution was +19 (41% satisfied, 22% dissatisfied) in December 2000 and +21 (42% satisfied, 21% dissatisfied) in January 2001.

During the impeachment trial of then-Chief Justice Renato Corona, it was +39 (54% satisfied, 15% dissatisfied) in March 2012.

Except during the Corona trial, net satisfaction was always lower with the prosecution than with the defense, SWS said.

Four accusations

"Asked about the four accusations against Vice President Duterte, more said they do not believe than believe each one, with net belief scores ranging from -9 to -21," SWS reported.

On the misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, 29% believed it and 38% did not, for a net belief score of -9.

On unexplained wealth that was not fully declared in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), 25% believed it and 38% did not, for a net belief score of -12.

On the bribery of Department of Education officials in connection with procurement irregularities, 27% believed it and 39% did not, for a net belief score of -12.

On the threat to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated, 23% believed it and 44% did not, for a net belief score of -21.

Around 26% to 30% were undecided on each accusation, while 7% had not heard or read about it, SWS said.

Face the trial

Meanwhile, 78% say it is important for the Vice President to testify personally.

Asked how important it is that Vice President Duterte testifies personally to be able to answer and explain all allegations against her, 78% said it is important: 59% definitely important and 19% somewhat important.

Only 15% said it is not important: 7% somewhat not important and 8% definitely not important. The remaining 8% did not know enough to give an opinion.

SWS said this was similar to the 78% in December 2000 and 79% in January 2001 who said it was important that then-President Estrada testify personally, and to the 73% in March 2012 and 81% in May 2012 who said the same of then-Chief Justice Corona [Chart 8].

"The earlier surveys used a two-point scale (important, not important), so the comparison is only indicative," SWS said. —LDF, GMA News