41% for, 35% against VP impeachment – survey

MANILA, Philippines —  More Filipinos support the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte than those who are against it, a commissioned survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.

The Dec. 12 to 18 survey, commissioned by Stratbase group, found that 41 percent support the impeachment of the Vice President. Thirty-five percent said they disagree, while 19 percent were undecided.

Three impeachment complaints have so far been filed against the Vice President, who is facing criticisms over her offices’ use of confidential funds. Two of the complaints had been filed when the survey was conducted.

Across areas, support for Duterte’s impeachment was highest among those in balance Luzon at 50 percent, followed by those in Metro Manila at 45 percent, the Visayas at 40 percent and Mindanao at 22 percent.

Conversely, those who disagree with the Vice President’s impeachment was highest in her bailiwick Mindanao at 56 percent, followed by those in Metro Manila at 37 percent, the Visayas at 33 percent and rest of Luzon at 25 percent.

Among the undecided respondents, it was highest in the Visayas at 24 percent, followed by those in Mindanao and balance Luzon at 18 percent and Metro Manila at 14 percent.

Fifty percent of respondents from socio-economic class ABC support Duterte’s impeachment, followed by those in classes D and E at 41 percent and 37 percent, respectively. Those who disagree across socio-economic classes range from 34 to 36 percent.

The survey respondents were also asked which allegations may be the basis of Duterte’s impeachment.

Almost half or 46 percent cited the unexplained spending of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education under Duterte.

This was followed by her refusal to answer investigations regarding the use of confidential funds (36 percent), alleged ill-gotten wealth (25 percent), her threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez (24 percent) and her alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings during her tenure as mayor of Davao City (23 percent).

Some 17 percent said none of those in the list provided may be used as basis for