Marcos' Approval and Trust Ratings Slip Amid Graft, Economic Concerns

By Erika Mae P. Sinaking, Reporter PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s approval and trust ratings fell in June as concerns over corruption, the economy and political accountability continued to weigh on public sentiment, according to a survey by PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc. “The President’s ratings have largely plateaued, with approval at 18% and trust at 12%,” the pollster said in a statement on Thursday. “This reflects a fragmented public outlook, where no single dominant issue is driving overall performance.” Mr. Marcos’ approval rating slipped from 19% in the first quarter, while his trust rating eased from 13%. PUBLiCUS Asia said gains from selected government initiatives were offset by persistent concerns over political accountability, proposed Charter amendments and economic conditions. The pollster said the administration’s response to the domestic effects of the Iran war on fuel prices, Mr. Marcos’ opposition to remote Senate voting and the country’s hosting of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit provided only modest support for the President’s standing. Respondents remained divided over the economy despite 2.8% gross domestic product growth in the first quarter. About 10% viewed Mr. Marcos’ economic performance positively, while 9% viewed it negatively. The survey said the country’s economic expansion was overshadowed by inflation, which accelerated from 2.4% in February to 7.2% in April, as well as a 5% unemployment rate and 12.3% underemployment rate. About 65% of registered voters said the Philippine economy is in worse condition than it was a decade ago, a sentiment strongest in Mindanao. At the same time, 42% of households said their own financial situation had improved over the same period. Corruption emerged as the top issue respondents wanted the President to prioritize, cited by 29% of those surveyed. It also ranked as the leading household concern for the coming quarter, with 18% saying corruption in local and national government agencies should receive greater attention. The pollster said dissatisfaction over government accountability remained pronounced, with 14% of respondents citing the failure to jail high-profile personalities nearly a year after the President’s 2025 State of the Nation Address as a major factor behind negative perceptions of the administration. Proposed Charter amendments also weighed on public sentiment, with 13% identifying the issue as a key reason for their unfavorable assessment of the President. Among specific proposals, 59% opposed extending the terms of incumbent officials until 2031, 58% opposed suspending the 2028 elections and 43% opposed raising the minimum age for presidential candidates to 50. The survey also showed a shift in public perceptions of other government institutions and officials. SENATE RATING Acting Senate President Sherwin T. Gatchalian posted the highest ratings among the country’s top officials, recording a 32% approval rating and a 21% trust rating during his first quarter in office. However, the Senate’s institutional approval rating fell to 21%, the lowest in five quarters, which PUBLiCUS attributed to recent highly publicized controversies and declining public confidence. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Department of the Interior and Local Government also posted their lowest approval ratings in at least five quarters at 47% and 30%, respectively. Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority remained the highest-rated government agency, posting a 63% approval rating. Among senators, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV remained the most favorably viewed, posting a net favorability rating of 57%, followed by Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros-Baraquel at 47% and Senator Francis Pancratius “Kiko” N. Pangilinan at 46%. At the other end of the rankings, Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Ejercito Estrada, Jr. posted the highest unfavorable rating at 58%, followed by Senator Ronald “Bato” M. dela Rosa at 56% and Senator Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla at 51%. Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio continued to post stronger numbers than Mr. Marcos, recording a 28% approval rating and a 26% trust rating. PUBLiCUS said her ratings were tempered by negative sentiment surrounding findings involving bank accounts linked to her family and her failure to attend House clarificatory hearings. The survey also found broad support for several policy proposals. About 75% of respondents backed the temporary suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene, while 74% supported the Anti-Political Dynasty bill. Meanwhile, the Cabinet continued to face a 50% overall disapproval rating for a fourth straight quarter, with dissatisfaction highest in Mindanao at 65% and the National Capital Region at 54%. PUBLiCUS also found that 58% of Filipinos now rely primarily on the internet for political news. GMA Network led television news trust with 41%, while ABS-CBN topped online news trust with 38%. Four in 10 respondents said mainstream media remained neutral and fair. The noncommissioned survey was conducted from June 28 to 30 among 1,509 registered Filipino voters. It has a margin of error of ±3 percentage points.