Politics · Philippines Bureau
Public interest in Duterte impeachment trial lags past proceedings
A new survey shows that fewer Filipinos closely monitored Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial compared with earlier impeachment cases, suggesting declining public engagement with the high-profile political proceedings.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Public attention to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has fallen short of the viewership garnered by previous impeachment proceedings, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS).
The independent polling organization conducted a nationwide survey from September 21 to 27, finding that only 42 percent of Filipino adults followed Duterte's impeachment trial "very closely" or "somewhat closely." The figure represents a notable drop compared with the level of public interest in past impeachment cases.
The SWS survey results indicate shifting patterns in how Filipinos engage with major political events. The lower percentage suggests either fatigue with impeachment proceedings or competing demands for public attention during the survey period.
The findings come as the impeachment trial of Duterte, initiated by opposition lawmakers, proceeded through the Senate. The case centered on allegations related to her role as Davao City mayor and her conduct as vice president.