HOUSE impeachment prosecutor Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon over the weekend expressed doubt that a conviction of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte would trigger widespread street protests, citing a survey showing that a slim majority of Filipinos believe the Senate impeachment court’s decision should be respected.
Ridon said he expected political reactions on social media but was uncertain whether supporters of Duterte would organize large demonstrations across the country.
“Magkakaroon ng pagtitipon sa social media siguro para po dito, pero hindi ko po tiyak kung magkakaroon po ng pagtitipon sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas,” Ridon said during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
Ridon was responding to a question about predictions of public unrest if Duterte is convicted in her impeachment trial.
He cited a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that 51% of adult Filipinos agreed that the Senate’s decision should be accepted, whether Duterte is convicted or acquitted.
The survey, conducted Sept. 21 to 27, also found that 26% disagreed and 24% were undecided.
Ridon said the findings suggested that many Filipinos were prepared to respect the impeachment court’s ruling regardless of the outcome.
“So kung ganoon po ’yung, siyempre very slim majority view, I would expect na wala pong public support for any protest actions for the vice president in the event that she gets convicted,” he said.
The Senate impeachment court is hearing Article II, the sole remaining charge against Duterte involving allegations of unexplained wealth.
Her defense is scheduled to begin presenting evidence Monday, Nov. 9.
Duterte has denied wrongdoing, and the impeachment court has yet to decide the case.
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