Prosecutors say poll results won’t shield Vice President from impeachment case

A House prosecution panel remained unmoved by a Pulse Asia survey indicating Vice President Sara Duterte as the top choice among seven possible 2028 presidential contenders. Private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. noted that the poll’s timing excluded the days when massive bank transactions and undeclared assets tied to Duterte and her spouse were disclosed, arguing that the evidence already on record should be the focus.

He cautioned against assuming the poll reflects future voting behavior. House prosecutor Joel Chua echoed this view, pointing out that only Duterte has formally declared a presidential bid and that an impeachment trial could result in her removal and disqualification from holding office. The poll, conducted between September 17 and 24, showed Duterte with 50% preference, Leni Robredo at 26%, Raffy Tulfo at 12%, and Risa Hontiveros at 3%. Both prosecutors stressed that the legal outcome, not the poll, will decide whether she remains eligible for the presidency.