TWO high ranking leaders of the House of Representatives on Sunday said that the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey that reveals more Filipinos support the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte than those who oppose it highlights a growing clamor for accountability and transparency in governance.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales and Deputy Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez stressed the gravity of the findings, with both saying the SWS results gives a peak of the public sentiment on Duterte’s inability to account for hundreds of millions in confidential funds.
“Ipinapakita ng survey na ang karamihan sa ating mga kababayan ay naghahangad ng pananagutan mula sa ating mga lider. Dapat nang ipaliwanag at linawin ni VP Duterte kung saan napunta at paano ginamit ang daang milyong confidential funds ng kanyang tanggapan,” Gonzales said.
The survey, conducted from December 12 to 18, 2024, with 2,160 respondents nationwide, revealed that 41% of Filipinos support the impeachment of the Vice President, while 35% are opposed and 19% remain undecided.
Suarez highlighted the public’s growing frustration with alleged governance lapses.
“Dapat nang ipaliwanag ni VP Sara ang kontrobersyal na isyu tungkol kay Mary Grace Piattos at ang kahina-hinalang paggastos ng P612 milyon sa confidential funds. Hindi na maaaring balewalain ang mga ito,” Suarez stated.
He added that the survey reflects a strong public desire for adherence to ethical governance.
“This sends a clear message: Filipinos demand leaders who are accountable and transparent in their actions.”
Gonzales also weighed in, noting that the survey underscores the importance of strong democratic institutions.
“The survey results confirm that our democratic institutions must remain responsive to the people’s will. This is not just about numbers anymore; it is about restoring faith in governance,” Gonzales said.
“It clearly shows that Filipinos are against a leadership that does not explain controversies and are seeking leaders who adhere to ethical standards in governance,” he added.
The Vice President has been under fire for allegedly mismanaging P612 million in confidential funds, with congressional hearings uncovering discrepancies, including fabricated names like “Mary Grace Piattos” as recipients in financial documents.
The SWS survey comes amid declining trust ratings for Duterte, further amplifying public dissatisfaction with her leadership and governance style.
Suarez expressed belief that the impeachment complaints filed against Duterte are a reflection of the public’s demand for greater accountability.
“Dapat natin igalang ang damdamin ng publiko na nais na ituloy ang mga reklamong impeachment laban sa Pangalawang Pangulo,” Suarez said.
Suarez, meanwhile, stressed the need for fair and thorough deliberation.
“This is an opportunity for the House of Representatives to show that no one is above the law. The people are watching, and they expect us to act with integrity,” he said.
They pointed out that addressing the allegations against Duterte is crucial in restoring public trust.
“The people deserve answers. Let us not allow controversies like these to undermine our democracy,” Suarez said.
