VP Sara Duterte's Impeachment Trial Could Affect Her Public Ratings, Officials Say

The Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte began on July 6, with the House prosecution panel having completed its presentation of evidence on the first article of impeachment, which accuses her of making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta‑Marcos and former Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez.

Former Surigao del Norte representative and governor Robert Ace Barbers, adviser and spokesperson for the House prosecution panel, warned that Duterte’s satisfaction and trust ratings could drop if the allegations and evidence remain unanswered. He said, “Hangga’t hindi ito nasasagot … makaaapekt ito sa trust and popularity rating ng ating bise presidente.”

Social Weather Stations (SWS) surveys conducted from 20‑29 June—just before the trial—showed Duterte holding a “good” net satisfaction rating of +31 (58 % satisfied) and a “very good” net trust rating of +46, the highest among top officials.