Sara Duterte conviction unlikely to spark mass protests – Ridon

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s conviction is unlikely to spark massive protests, with a survey showing that half of Filipinos would accept the Senate Impeachment Court’s ruling, according to Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon.

Ridon, one of the prosecutors in Duterte’s trial, said the vice president’s supporters may instead rally support online rather than stage protests.

“There will likely be a gathering on social media for this, but I cannot say for certain if there will be physical rallies or gatherings across different parts of the Philippines,” he said in Filipino at the Saturday News Forum.

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A Social Weather Stations survey released last month showed that 51 percent of Filipinos believe the Senate’s decision should be accepted.

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“So if that’s the case, the slim majority view, I would expect there to be no public support for any protest actions in favor of the vice president if she gets convicted,” Ridon said.

Duterte’s trial will resume on Monday, Nov. 9.

Her defense team is set to present evidence rebutting the prosecution’s charge that the vice president amassed unexplained wealth and failed to truthfully disclose her assets while in office. /mcm