JUDGEMENT DAY
A survey showed that majority of the Filipinos believe that former President Rodrigo Duterte should be held accountable for the extra-judicial killings (EJK) related to his war on drugs.
According to the latest Social Weather Stations survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group, 51 percent of Filipinos agree that the former President should be held accountable for the killings related to illegal drugs during his administration, while 25 percent said they disagree.
Also the survey noted that 14 percent said that they are undecided, while 10 percent said they don’t know enough to give an opinion.
Results from the survey shows that Visayas reported the highest agreement to holding the former President accountable for the EJKs at 62 percent. Visayas is considered to be a Duterte stronghold.
Interestingly, almost half of Mindanao or 47 percent also agree in holding Duterte accountable for the drug war killings during his term. Mindanao is Duterte’s bailiwick.
The survey was conducted on February 15 to 19, 2025, with 1,800 respondents nationwide and has a ±2 margin of error.
House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union and House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur emphasized that this survey reflects the people’s desire for accountability, regardless of a leader’s past popularity.
“No leader, no matter how popular, should be above the law. The survey tells us what we already know – mga Pilipino gusto ng hustisya. Hindi porket malakas sa masa noon, exempted ka na sa pananagutan ngayon,” Ortega said.
Adiong also weighed in, saying that the survey is proof that the Filipino people value justice and human rights.
“The numbers don’t lie. Filipinos are clear in their stance – there should be accountability. Hindi puwedeng may pinapatay lang basta-basta, tapos walang pananagutan,” Adiong said.
He added that the ICC case is not an attack against the Philippines but rather an avenue to ensure justice.
“If the justice system worked as it should, then we wouldn’t be here. But the reality is, many families still wait for answers. Ang daming nawalan ng mahal sa buhay at wala pa ring hustisya,” Adiong said.
