Politics · Philippines Bureau
Prosecutors say 2028 surveys premature pending Duterte impeachment outcome
Members of the prosecution panel argued Monday that including Vice President Sara Duterte in presidential race surveys is premature, citing the possibility she could be permanently barred from public office if convicted by the Senate Impeachment Court.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Prosecutors handling Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment case cautioned against early polling for the 2028 presidential election, noting that survey inclusion of the vice president may be premature given the uncertain outcome of her ongoing trial.
During a press briefing held Monday, members of the prosecution panel highlighted that a conviction by the Senate Impeachment Court could result in permanent disqualification from holding any public office, which would effectively remove Duterte from consideration as a presidential candidate.
The remarks underscore the significant stakes of the impeachment proceedings, as any conviction would reshape the political landscape for the next presidential election. The panel stressed that the proper course is to await the outcome of the impeachment trial before attempting to gauge voter preferences for the 2028 race.
Duterte has faced calls for her removal as vice president, with impeachment proceedings initiated in the House of Representatives. The case is currently being heard by the Senate Impeachment Court, with the trial ongoing.