Survey says 88% Want Impeachment, Sara Says "Me Too!" A Trap For Public Perception

 

Sara Duterte's Convenient "Gratitude": A Calculated Performance for an Obviously Rigged Fight

It's no longer surprising to see Sara Duterte suddenly embrace impeachment proceedings—not when everyone already knows that the pro-Duterte senators hold a formidable, almost unbreakable majority in the Senate. This convenient shift is a stark contrast to her past, where in Congress, she would have practically twisted herself into a pretzel to avoid any whiff of an investigation against her.

Back then, the very idea of accountability sent her into a defensive frenzy. But now, as impeachment discussions swirl, the Vice President has unveiled a remarkably open, even "thankful" perspective on facing allegations. This dramatic pivot comes as no shock, especially when an SWS survey conveniently shows that a whopping 88% of respondents believe she should confront impeachment proceedings head-on to address accusations and "clear her name"—a narrative she's clearly eager to exploit.

When directly questioned about the survey, Vice President Duterte didn't just agree; she practically gloated, "I totally agree. I am part of that 88%." She then feigned gratitude for the potential platform: "I am thankful for the opportunity to clear my name and answer the accusations against me." This isn't genuine appreciation; it's a carefully rehearsed line designed to project an image of transparency while knowing full well the deck is stacked in her favor.

This stance is notable not for its directness, but for its audacious display of confidence in a process seems she knows she can manipulate. In a political landscape where evasiveness is often the norm when facing serious allegations, Vice President Duterte's immediate embrace of impeachment as a "means of vindication" is less a fresh approach and more a cynical exploitation of the current political realities in the Senate.

She frames the impeachment process not as a challenge, but as an "opportunity"—a telling choice of words. It speaks volumes about her belief in her ability to not just refute claims, but to steamroll them, presenting her "side of the story" to a public that she hopes will be swayed by a choreographed performance rather than genuine accountability. While the specific allegations remain conveniently vague in this exchange, her eagerness to respond publicly screams of a calculated confidence, not in the strength of her innocence, but in the power of her political allies.

The Senate has reportedly decided to commence impeachment hearings on June 11. When asked about the delay, Vice President Duterte casually indicated it had no personal effect on her, deferring to her legal team to assess any "potential impact" on a case that, to many, seems already decided.

Her comments merely underscore a critical moment in Philippine politics, where public perception is being shamelessly manipulated and accountability is a facade. By aligning herself with the majority of surveyed Filipinos who desire a "transparent process," Vice President Duterte is not confronting scrutiny; she is positioning herself as a master of political theater, prepared to navigate a rigged system and emerge with her reputation "intact"—not because she's innocent, but because her political machinery guarantees it. The coming weeks, with the impending hearings, will undoubtedly put this cynical resolve to the test, even as everyone knows the outcome in the Senate is a foregone conclusion.