House of Representatives senior deputy speaker Aurelio Gonzales and deputy speaker Jayjay Suarez said the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that many Filipinos are in favor of impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte.
The two House leaders stated that the SWS findings reflect public opinion regarding Duterte’s failure to account for the hundreds of millions in confidential funds that came from the people’s hard-earned money.
“Ipinapakita ng survey na ang karamihan sa ating mga kababayan ay naghahangad ng pananagutan mula sa ating mga lider. Dapat nang ipaliwanag at linawin ni VP Duterte kung saan napunta at paano ginamit ang daang milyong confidential funds ng kanyang tanggapan,” Gonzales said.
The survey, conducted from December 12 to 18, 2024, with 2,160 respondents across the country, showed that 41% of Filipinos support impeaching the Vice President, 35% are opposed, and 19% are undecided.
Suarez said that the Vice President should have addressed the committee’s findings of irregularities to the public, as this has frustrated the people.
“Dapat nang ipaliwanag ni VP Sara ang kontrobersyal na isyu tungkol kay Mary Grace Piattos at ang kahina-hinalang paggastos ng P612 milyon sa confidential funds. Hindi na maaaring bale-walain ang mga ito,” Suarez stated.
“This sends a clear message: Filipinos demand leaders who are accountable and transparent in their actions,” he added.
Furthermore, Gonzales noted that the survey underscores the need for strong democratic institutions.
“The survey results confirm that our democratic institutions must remain responsive to the people’s will. This is not just about numbers anymore; it is about restoring faith in governance,” Gonzales said.
“It clearly shows that Filipinos are against a leadership that does not explain controversies, and are seeking leaders who adhere to ethical standards in governance,” he added.
Suarez emphasized that this is the moment for Congress to demonstrate to the Filipino people that no one, not even the highest officials of the land, is above the law.
“This is an opportunity for the House of Representatives to show that no one is above the law. The people are watching, and they expect us to act with integrity,” he said.
“The people deserve answers. Let us not allow controversies like these to undermine our democracy,” Suarez added.