Majority of Filipinos Support Accountability for Duterte’s Drug War
A new Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Group, shows that a majority of Filipinos believe former president Rodrigo Duterte should be held accountable for the killings linked to his administration’s controversial anti-illegal drugs campaign. The third-quarter poll, conducted from September 24 to 30, reveals a pivotal public stance on accountability that could influence ongoing national dialogues about justice and the rule of law.
Key Findings of the Survey
The SWS survey interviewed 1,500 adult Filipinos nationwide and reported a ±3 percent margin of error. It found that 50 percent of respondents agreed that Duterte must face accountability for the drug war deaths, while 32 percent disagreed, 15 percent were undecided, and 4 percent did not know enough to form an opinion.
Commuting these numbers into broader political sentiment, the data suggest an evolving public mood—from a possible tolerance of strongman tactics to a clearer demand for justice and accountability, even when it involves high-profile leaders.
Geographic Variations in Opinion
According to Stratbase Group President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, national sentiment about accountability is not uniform. Support was strongest in Visayas (54 percent) and Metro Manila (53 percent), with Balance Luzon close behind at 52 percent. In Mindanao, Duterte’s traditional political stronghold, 39 percent believed accountability was warranted.
Manhit framed the results as indicating an “important shift from popularity to responsibility,” arguing that many Filipinos now view justice and rule of law as indispensable to democracy. He emphasized that the poll’s data illustrate a public belief that no one should be above the law, not even a former president.
Context: International and Domestic Implications
The timing of the release matters. The survey comes on the heels of a significant ICC ruling: judges denied Duterte’s request for interim release from detention in The Hague. Duterte faces trial for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the drug crackdown. The ICC decision underscores the interplay between domestic political sentiment and international legal accountability—and the survey suggests Filipinos are watching closely how justice unfolds on both fronts.
What This Means for Philippine Democracy
Observers say the results reflect a broader conversation about accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in the Philippines. Stratbase President Manhit said the findings point to a public desire for a justice system that can confront powerful figures and deliver truth and healing for families affected by the violence of the drug war. “This is not about vengeance and politics, but about truth, justice, and healing,” he noted.
Politically, the survey could influence how parties, lawmakers, and civil society groups frame issues related to accountability, transitional justice, and governance. It may also affect how future leadership candidates address controversial legacies and calls for investigations or reconciliations tied to human rights concerns.
Methodology and Confidence
The poll interviewed 1,500 adult Filipinos nationwide. With a margin of error of ±3 percent, the results provide a credible snapshot of public opinion across major regions. The release underscores the ongoing relevance of public sentiment in shaping, challenging, and legitimizing policy decisions and legal processes tied to Duterte’s legacy.
Conclusion: A Nation Reflects on Accountability and the Rule of Law
In the post-ICC context and amid domestic debates, the SWS survey highlights a crucial public pivot toward accountability. Filipinos appear to want a justice system that can confront difficult truths, even when those truths involve former presidents. As the country continues to grapple with the consequences of the drug war, the public’s call for accountability could reinforce the imperative that the law applies equally to all, fostering trust in institutions and, ultimately, healing for communities affected by the crisis.
