The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) confirmed that its peace rally supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s opposition to the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte on January 13 will now take place at the Quirino Grandstand, instead of Liwasang Bonifacio.
As this developed, a recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) meanwhile revealed that 41% of Filipinos support the impeachment of the Vice President.
The survey, conducted between December 12 and 18, 2024, also showed that 35% opposed the move, with the remaining 19% undecided. Support for impeachment was strongest in Balance Luzon (50%) and lowest in Mindanao, Duterte’s home region, where 56% of respondents opposed the impeachment.
The INC had initially planned the “National Rally for Peace” on January 13 at Liwasang Bonifacio, where participants from the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, and Central Luzon were expected to gather.
In addition to the rally in Manila, similar INC-led rallies are scheduled to take place across the country in cities such as Legazpi, Ilagan, and Puerto Princesa in Luzon; Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod in the Visayas; and Davao, Pagadian, Butuan, and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.
The three impeachment complaints filed against Duterte are still being reviewed by the House of Representatives.
These complaints involve allegations of misuse of confidential funds and a growing rift between the Duterte family and the Marcos administration. Duterte has denied the allegations, attributing them to political motives.
As of last week, the complaints were still under verification by the House Secretary General’s legal team, with a recommendation expected soon. Some of the complainants, including Sister Ma. Liza Ruedas and Pinky Tam, have urged Congress to expedite the impeachment process, calling it a moral obligation to the people.
ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, an endorser of the impeachment complaints, organized a meeting with the complainants, where it was agreed that a joint press conference would be held next week.
Various groups are also planning mobilizations to push Congress to act on the impeachment complaints before the upcoming legislative session ends.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “4 in 10 Filipinos back impeachment bids against VP Sara Duterte—SWS.”
