By Jet D. Antolin
A RECENT Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey reveals that the majority of Filipinos believe former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte should be held accountable for extrajudicial killings (EJKs) linked to his war on drugs, reinforcing the call for justice in the International Criminal Court (ICC) case against him.
House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of the First District of La Union and House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur emphasized that this survey reflects the people’s desire for accountability, regardless of a leader’s past popularity.
“No leader, no matter how popular, should be above the law. The survey tells us what we already know – mga Pilipino gusto ng hustisya. Hindi porket malakas sa masa noon, exempted ka na sa pananagutan ngayon,” Ortega said.
Adiong also weighed in, saying that the survey is proof that the Filipino people value justice and human rights.
“The numbers don’t lie. Filipinos are clear in their stance – there should be accountability. Hindi puwedeng may pinapatay lang basta-basta, tapos walang pananagutan,” Adiong said.
He added the ICC case is not an attack against the Philippines but rather an avenue to ensure justice.
“If the justice system worked as it should, then we wouldn’t be here. But the reality is, many families still wait for answers. Ang daming nawalan ng mahal sa buhay at wala pa ring hustisya,” Adiong said.
The latest SWS survey commissioned by think-tank Stratbase Group reveals that a majority of Filipinos, or 51%, believe former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte should be held accountable for the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) linked to his war on drugs.
Only 25% disagreed, 14% remained undecided and 10% said they lacked sufficient information to form an opinion. Notably, support for accountability was highest in the Visayas at 62%, traditionally considered a Duterte stronghold.
Even in Mindanao, his political bailiwick, nearly half or 47% of respondents agreed that he should answer for the drug war killings during his administration.
Ortega said that while Duterte’s administration once enjoyed high approval ratings, public sentiment has shifted as more Filipinos now recognize the need for due process.
“This is not about politics. It’s about accountability. Kung may kasalanan, may pananagutan,” Ortega stressed.
“This is what separates a democracy from a dictatorship – ang pananagutan sa batas,” he added.
Ortega pointed out that the noise from Duterte’s defenders does not reflect the general sentiment of the Filipino people.
“The opposition to the ICC case mostly comes from a noisy minority, amplified by internet trolls. Pero kung titingnan natin ang mas nakararami, they want answers. They want justice,” he said.
Adiong also highlighted that the survey results should serve as a wake-up call for those trying to shield Duterte from accountability.
“It’s time to listen to the people. Huwag nating balewalain ang sigaw ng mga biktima at ng taumbayan. The message is clear: walang sinuman ang dapat na hindi nasasaklaw ng batas,” he said.
