Backlash Over VP Duterte Impeachment Hits Rep. Peter Miguel; Hernandez Leads by Wide Margin in Online Polls

South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Peter Miguel faces mounting backlash following his decision to sign the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, a move that has drawn strong criticism from Duterte loyalists in the province. The effects of this controversy are evident in the latest Pulso ng Koronadal Online Poll Survey, where former Congressman Ferdinand Hernandez has taken a commanding lead in the congressional race.

Survey Results: Hernandez Dominates, Miguel Struggles

The online survey, conducted through social media reactions, shows Hernandez securing 65.39% of valid votes, while Miguel trails behind with 30.35% after validation. Additionally, 4.25% of reactions were invalidated due to incorrect reactions, duplicate accounts, or dummy accounts.

While online polls are not official predictors of election outcomes, the wide margin in favor of Hernandez suggests a significant shift in voter sentiment against the incumbent.

Duterte Supporters Reject Miguel’s Impeachment Move

Miguel’s decision to sign the impeachment complaint against VP Duterte has fueled outrage among voters, particularly in South Cotabato, a known Duterte stronghold. Many supporters see his move as a betrayal of public trust, with strong opinions flooding the survey’s comment section:

“Mag-concede na lang si Peter Miguel. Sa performance pa lang, klaro na kung sin-o ang deserving.”
“Wala siya kabalo nga Duterte country ni? Kita-kits sa election.”

The backlash reflects a growing disconnect between Miguel and a large portion of his voter base, raising concerns about his ability to recover in the coming months.

Hernandez Gains Momentum with Governor Tamayo’s Support

Meanwhile, former Congressman Ferdinand Hernandez has strengthened his candidacy with the backing of South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. and the administration’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the ruling party of President Bongbong Marcos.

Governor Tamayo, known for his transformative leadership in free education, healthcare, and governance reforms, remains highly popular in the province. His endorsement of Hernandez is seen as a major boost, reinforcing Hernandez’s credibility and political reach.

As the May 2025 elections draw near, the question remains: Can Miguel regain public trust, or is Hernandez on track for a decisive victory? One thing is certain—this congressional race is shaping up to be a defining political showdown in South Cotabato.