Filipinos express low trust in Senate regarding Vice President Duterte trial

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in late September 2026 reveals that only 28 percent of Filipino adults trust the Senate to make a fair decision regarding the potential conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte. Conversely, 35 percent of respondents expressed little trust in the Senate’s ability to rule fairly, resulting in a net trust rating of -7.

This marks the first time in SWS records of comparable impeachment trials that the Senate has received a negative net trust score. In previous high-profile cases, such as the impeachment of President Joseph Estrada in 2000-2001 and Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012, net trust ratings remained significantly positive, peaking at +21.

Regarding the conduct of the current trial, 50 percent of those surveyed believe the impeachment court provides appropriate consideration to both sides. Meanwhile, 18 percent believe the court is too liberal with Duterte’s legal team, and 17 percent believe it is too liberal with the prosecutors.