Photo credit: ICC

A newly released Stratbase-SWS survey has sparked discussions on whether former President Rodrigo Duterte should be held accountable for the drug war-related killings during his administration. Conducted from February 15-19, 2025, the nationwide survey gathered insights from 1,800 registered voters through face-to-face interviews.

So, what do the numbers say?
According to the survey results:
• 51% of respondents agree that Duterte should be held accountable (32% strongly agree, 19% somewhat agree).
• 25% disagree (9% somewhat disagree, 16% strongly disagree).
• 14% are undecided
• 10% say they don’t know enough to give an opinion.

Interestingly, the Visayas—where Duterte has a strong base—shows the highest support for accountability (62%), while Metro Manila and Balance Luzon have a more divided stance.

Who was surveyed?

The respondents were selected across different regions, ages, and educational backgrounds:
• Metro Manila (300), Balance Luzon (900), Visayas (300), and Mindanao (300).
• An equal split of 50% male and 50% female respondents.
• Urban (40%) and rural (60%) representation.
• A mix of different education levels, from elementary graduates to college degree holders.

The big picture

This survey, commissioned by Stratbase Consultancy, adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about the legacy of Duterte’s drug war. The results indicate that while a slight majority supports holding him accountable, public opinion remains divided, with some still undecided or lacking information.

As the 2025 political landscape unfolds, this issue is likely to remain a hot topic in public discourse.

What do you think? Should Duterte face accountability for the drug war killings, or do you believe otherwise? Let’s talk in the comments.