If the surveys are an indication, it looks like Vice President Sara Duterte has regained public approval and trust.
The Pahayag First Quarter Survey by Publicus Asia Inc. conducted from March 15 to 20 revealed a notable change in public opinion that saw VP Duterte soaring in the latest ratings while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez went down with falling approval and trust ratings.
VP Duterte improved her approval rating from 37 percent to 42 percent, while her disapproval remained at 37 percent while Marcos saw his approval rating drop from 33 percent to 19 percent, with disapproval reaching 57 percent.
Duterte’s trust rating surged from 31 percent to 39 percent, while her distrust rating remained at 39 percent while Marcos’ trust rating fell from 23 percent to 14 percent, with 63 percent of respondents expressing distrust.
This is amid controversy about the impeachment and detention of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands.
However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ratings have plummeted alongside House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Meanwhile, Senate President Chiz Escudero’s approval rating declined from 37 percent to 31 percent, with a disapproval rating of 33 percent while Romualdez dropped from 20 percent to 14 percent.
Publicus Asia emphasized that the approval ratings of key government officials continue to reflect broader national sentiment, with most leaders experiencing a decline in public support.
The survey highlights a mix of political, economic, and social challenges behind President Marcos Jr.’s declining approval and rising anti-administration sentiment. Key issues include dissatisfaction with governance, inflation, and cooperation with the ICC’s Duterte investigation, which has angered many, especially in Mindanao.
A weakening economy and growing pessimism about the country’s direction, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao, further fuel discontent. The political rift between Marcos and Duterte factions adds to the administration’s struggles, emphasizing the need to rebuild public trust.
