Pulse Asia survey shows most Filipinos disapprove Duterte’s arrest by ICC

National

THE arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) was strongly opposed by most Filipinos, a latest survey by Pulse Asia showed.

Conducted between May 6 and 9, the poll revealed that 58 percent of respondents disagreed with Duterte’s arrest over charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs.

Only 26 percent of respondents supported his arrest and surrender to the ICC, while 16 percent were undecided.

The survey also highlighted a distinct regional divide, with Mindanao showing overwhelming disapproval at 96 percent, followed by 60 percent in the Visayas. In balance Luzon, 42 percent expressed disapproval, and 38 percent of respondents from Metro Manila also opposed the action.

On the flip side, approval of Duterte's arrest was highest in Metro Manila, where 43 percent of respondents supported it, followed by 35 percent in Luzon, 24 percent in the Visayas, and a mere 1 percent in Mindanao.

The findings also demonstrated that opposition to Duterte’s arrest crosses socio-economic classes, further deepening the divide. Despite this, Duterte maintains a significant trust rating, with 63 percent of Filipinos expressing confidence in his leadership. Just 17 percent distrust him, while 20 percent remain undecided. In comparison, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. trails far behind, with only 32 percent trust and 42 percent expressing distrust.

Vice President Sara Duterte also got relatively high trust ratings, with 50 percent of respondents saying they trust her, 25 percent expressing distrust, and 25 percent undecided.

These results contrast sharply with a different survey, conducted earlier this year by WR-Numero, which found that 62 percent of respondents believed it was crucial for Duterte to personally stand trial in The Hague.

The same survey showed that 52 percent felt Duterte should be held accountable for crimes committed during the war on drugs, and 61 percent supported the trial of his co-conspirators.

While the Pulse Asia survey, which had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent, revealed widespread opposition, it also offered a nuanced perspective on Duterte’s ongoing influence.

By comparison, the WR-Numero survey polled 1,894 respondents and had a margin of error of plus/minus two percent, yet both surveys reflect the nation’s divided opinion on the former president’s legal accountability.(MyTVCebu)