Impeachment Won’t Be Swayed by Polls, Says De Lima
2 min read
MAY 27 2025
MANILA, Philippines — Representative-elect and House impeachment prosecutor Leila de Lima remains undeterred by the recent Pulse Asia survey showing that 50% of Filipinos disagree with the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. For De Lima, public opinion today won’t define the outcome of the case.
“Wala pong epekto iyon,” De Lima said in a radio interview on Super Radyo dzBB Tuesday morning. “Surveys have no bearing at this point. We prosecutors won’t be swayed by that.”
Drawing parallels to past elections, the former senator emphasized how surveys don’t always align with final outcomes.
“Just like in elections — we’ve seen surveys fail to reflect actual results. The real measure comes when people see the truth unfold.”
Impeachment Evidence Will Speak Louder Than Polls, De Lima Says
De Lima stressed that public sentiment can shift once the impeachment trial begins and the evidence is revealed to the Filipino people.
“In the end, it’s all about the evidence. Once the prosecution presents strong and credible proof, people will see the truth for themselves,” she said.
“If the evidence is solid, many of those who are unsure — or even opposed — may change their stance.”
According to the Pulse Asia survey conducted from May 6 to 9, only 28% of respondents agreed with the impeachment filing, while 21% remained undecided. The nationwide poll was conducted among 1,200 registered voters, with a ±2.8% margin of error.
De Lima also pointed out that forming public opinion now is premature, as the full-blown impeachment proceedings in the 20th Congress have yet to begin.
“True public opinion will only emerge during the hearings — when the people finally hear the prosecution’s case and see the depth of the evidence,” she noted.
What Are the Charges Against VP Sara Duterte?
Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached on February 5, 2025, by the House of Representatives, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. She faces multiple serious charges, including:
- Betrayal of public trust
- Culpable violation of the Constitution
- Graft and corruption
- High crimes, particularly involving the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds
- Threats to the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez
VP Sara’s Bold Response: “I Want a Bloodbath”
Despite the gravity of the charges, Vice President Duterte has remained defiant. She previously told reporters she is looking forward to the impeachment trial, boldly saying she wants a “bloodbath” and that her legal team is “on full throttle” preparing for what could be the most high-profile political trial in recent Philippine history. NOWTREND
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