As she battles an impeachment trial that could end her political career, Vice President Sara Duterte brushed aside questions about her enduring popularity, saying she could only thank Filipinos — and God — after new surveys showed public trust in her remaining strong despite months of political turmoil.

Speaking in a chance interview from The Hague, Duterte said she had no explanation for why she continued to post high trust and approval ratings in recent Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations (SWS) surveys, even as she faces impeachment before the Senate and an increasingly bitter feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"On that point, I am truly blessed. Favored ako ng Diyos sa ganyang bagay," Duterte said.

"Hindi ako makapag-explain sa mga surveys dahil hindi ko naman alam kung ano ang ginawa o kung sino ang nagpagawa niyan. Pero lagi lang talaga ang sinasabi ko kapag may survey na lumalabas ay nagpapasalamat ako sa patuloy na pagtitiwala ng ating mga kababayan sa akin, sa aking mga kasamahan sa OVP at siyempre sa aming opisina," she added.

A Pulse Asia survey conducted from June 28 to July 6 found 58% of Filipinos trusted Duterte, while 27% said they distrusted her. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., by contrast, registered a trust rating of 28% and a distrust rating of 51%. 

Duterte also posted a 56% approval rating, compared with Marcos' 29%. The survey was conducted as the Senate impeachment court began hearing the case against the vice president.

A separate June survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) likewise showed Duterte with a 57% trust rating, while Marcos slipped to 34%.

Duterte is facing impeachment over allegations that include culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. 

Despite the proceedings, Duterte has remained a formidable political figure and has consistently emerged as the preferred presidential contender in early surveys ahead of the 2028 elections.