By Zaldy De Layola
MANILA – Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon, one of the House of Representatives’ impeachment prosecutors, on Monday viewed the recent Tangere survey results as a validation of an “overwhelming” need to proceed with Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.
The lawmaker said the survey reflects the populace’s demand for accountability.
“The survey results are a clear indication that the Filipino people are calling for justice and transparency. As representatives of the people, it is our duty to heed this call and ensure that the impeachment process moves forward,” Bongalon, also a House Majority leader, said.
A Tangere survey, conducted from Feb. 10 to 12, 2025, revealed that 73 percent of Filipinos believe Duterte should face a Senate impeachment trial over allegations of plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
“Ang malinaw dito, nais ng ating mga kababayan na managot ang sinumang lumalabag sa batas, kahit pa ito’y isa sa pinakamataas na opisyal ng bansa (What is clear here [is that] our people want everyone who violates the law to be held liable, even if he/she is one of the highest ranking officials in the country),” Bongalon added.
The impeachment complaint, endorsed by 215 members of the House of Representatives, accuses Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
“With such overwhelming support from both the public and our fellow lawmakers, it is imperative that the Senate constitutes itself as an impeachment court to address these serious allegations,” Bongalon said.
The survey further indicated that 51 percent of respondents support the impeachment complaint filed by Congress, while 53 percent agree that Duterte should be tried for the alleged misuse of confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which she used to head.
“These figures reflect a significant portion of our population demanding transparency and accountability in the use of public funds,” Bongalon said.
On Feb. 5, the impeachment documents were transmitted to the Senate and received by the Senate Secretariat before the session adjourned. Bongalon called on senators to respect the will of the people and fulfill their constitutional duty by convening as an impeachment court promptly.
“The House has acted decisively in response to our constituents’ clamor for justice. It is now incumbent upon the Senate to do the same and ensure a fair and impartial trial,” he said. Earlier, Senate President Francis Escudero ruled out any impeachment proceedings during Congress’ adjournment, citing legal and procedural constraints that must first be addressed before the Senate can act on any complaint. (PNA)
