1-RIDER Party-list Representative Rodge Gutierrez on Tuesday downplayed the significance of a recent Pulse Asia survey showing that half of Filipinos oppose the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that public sentiment should not influence constitutional proceedings.
“In terms of prosecution, I can’t speak for everyone, but we have to take it with a grain of salt,” said Gutierrez, a member of the House prosecution panel for the upcoming Senate impeachment trial, during an ambush interview with reporters.
He also pointed to the recent senatorial election results, which defied pre-election survey projections, as reason to be skeptical of polling data.
“We saw how the surveys didn’t predict Bam Aquino placing No. 2, or Kiko Pangilinan making it into the winning circle. So at this point, I really take surveys with a pinch of salt,” Gutierrez remarked.
The Pulse Asia “Pulso ng Bayan” survey, conducted from May 6 to 9 with 1,200 registered voters, revealed that 50% opposed the impeachment complaint, 28% were in favor, and 21% remained undecided. The poll has a ±2.8% margin of error.
When asked if the survey results affected his trust in polling—especially after previously citing public clamor as a basis for impeachment—Gutierrez admitted his views had changed.
“Before the elections, I trusted surveys. But after seeing the actual outcomes, that’s when I started having second thoughts,” he said. Pressed further, he confirmed, “Personally, yes,” his view of surveys has shifted.
Still, Gutierrez stopped short of questioning Pulse Asia’s credibility.
“I won’t say they’re biased. There’s supposed to be some statistical reasoning behind them,” he noted.
Despite public opposition reflected in the survey, Gutierrez stressed that the role of the prosecution remains unchanged: to present solid evidence and make their case before the Senate impeachment court.
Vice President Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on February 5, 2025. She faces charges including culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
The case centers on Duterte’s alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds—₱500 million under the Office of the Vice President and ₱112.5 million under the Department of Education (DepEd)—during her time as both Vice President and Education Secretary.
Other accusations in the complaint include her public revelation of an alleged assassination plot targeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez; bribery of DepEd officials; unexplained wealth; failure to declare assets in her SALN; and alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings linked to her father’s presidency.
The Senate will convene as an impeachment court on June 2, 2025. A two-thirds vote is required to convict and remove Duterte from office.