By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Public opinion will not determine the outcome of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, the Senate impeachment court said Thursday, stressing that senator-judges must base their decision strictly on law and admissible evidence despite mixed public confidence reflected in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.
“Survey metrics measure public sentiment, whereas the Senator-judges are bound by oath to render judgment strictly on the basis of law and admissible evidence,” court spokesperson lawyer Reginald Tongol said in a statement.
Tongol issued the statement following the release of the Sept. 21 to 27 SWS survey result, which showed that 35 percent of Filipinos had little trust in the Senate’s ability to deliver a fair impeachment verdict, compared with 28 percent who expressed much trust.
Another 32 percent remained undecided, which the court interpreted as an indication that a significant portion of the public was withholding judgment pending the defense’s presentation of evidence.
Despite the divided confidence levels, the survey found that 50 percent of respondents believed the Senate was giving proper consideration to both the prosecution and defense.
Meanwhile, 17 percent perceived the court as favoring the prosecution, while 18 percent believed it favored the defense.
The court maintained that the nearly identical figures reflected its efforts to conduct impartial proceedings, although the survey measured public perceptions rather than independently establishing the court’s neutrality.
Tongol said the findings presented an opportunity for the impeachment court to reinforce public confidence through transparent proceedings and strict observance of due process.
The court also welcomed the survey finding that 51 percent of Filipinos agreed that the Senate’s eventual verdict should be accepted, whether Duterte is convicted or acquitted.
Another 26 percent disagreed, while 24 percent were undecided.
The court cited a separate August 2026 National Momentum Survey showing that 38.6 percent of respondents preferred a verdict anchored on hard evidence, compared with 30.8 percent who favored public opinion as the basis for the decision.
It said the findings underscored the importance of maintaining judicial independence while remaining accountable to the public.
The SWS survey, involving 1,500 adults nationwide, was conducted before the prosecution withdrew three of the four impeachment articles against Duterte.
With only Article II concerning allegations of unexplained wealth remaining, the impeachment court is set to resume proceedings on Nov. 9, when the defense begins presenting its evidence.
Tongol said the court would continue enforcing the rules of evidence and ensuring that both parties receive full due process as senator-judges prepare to decide the remaining charge. (PNA)
