Duterte conviction unlikely to trigger large-scale street protests

MANILA — Rep. Terry Ridon of Bicol said Monday that Vice President Sara Duterte's potential conviction would be unlikely to ignite widespread street protests among her political base, citing public sentiment polling on the high-profile impeachment case. Ridon, who serves as one of the prosecutors presenting charges against Duterte before the Senate Impeachment Court, noted that survey results show approximately half of the Filipino electorate would accept the tribunal's ruling. The lawmaker's assessment comes as the impeachment trial continues to dominate national discourse, with the vice president facing multiple charges before the specialized court. Rather than mobilizing in public spaces, Ridon suggested that Duterte's supporters would more likely channel their activism through online platforms and social media channels to express dissent. The findings suggest that public acceptance of the judicial process may help temper potential civil unrest should the Senate Impeachment Court render a guilty verdict against the sitting vice president.