President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. posted a -27% net trust rating in the latest PUBLiCUS Asia PAHAYAG Q2 Survey conducted from June 28 to 30, 2026, reflecting continued public dissatisfaction with his administration. Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte maintained higher public support with a 28% gross approval rating and 26% gross trust rating, underscoring the contrasting levels of confidence in the country’s top two elected officials.
MANILA, Philippines — Public confidence in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remained weak in the middle of 2026, with the latest PUBLiCUS Asia PAHAYAG Second Quarter Survey showing that his net trust rating stood at -27 percent, reflecting the continuing dissatisfaction of many Filipinos with the performance of his administration.
The survey, conducted from June 28 to 30, 2026, painted a picture of an administration still struggling to regain public confidence despite government efforts to address inflation, food prices, and fuel costs. While the official survey primarily released gross ratings, analysts pointed out that the President’s net trust rating of -27 percent was calculated by subtracting those who expressed little or no trust from those who said they had high trust in the President.
The figures showed that President Marcos received a Gross Trust Rating of 12 percent, slightly lower than the 13 percent recorded during the first quarter of the year. His Gross Approval Rating also slipped to 18 percent, down from 19 percent in the previous survey period.
Although the decline appears modest on paper, political observers noted that the continued negative net rating indicates that far more Filipinos expressed distrust than trust toward the country’s highest official.
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For many ordinary Filipinos, the survey numbers reflect growing frustration over everyday concerns that directly affect their families. Rising prices of basic commodities, transportation costs, electricity bills, and the lingering impact of global economic uncertainty continue to dominate household discussions across the country.
Analysts who reviewed the survey said economic concerns remain one of the strongest factors influencing public opinion. Although the government has introduced measures to cushion the effects of inflation and stabilize food supply, many consumers say they have yet to feel significant relief in their daily expenses.
Another issue frequently cited in public discussions involves allegations surrounding multi-billion-peso flood control projects. Critics argue that controversies involving public funds have weakened public confidence, especially as many communities continue to experience severe flooding despite massive infrastructure spending.
Calls for greater transparency and accountability have likewise become louder. Several high-profile controversies involving government officials remain unresolved in the eyes of many citizens, leading some Filipinos to question whether those involved are being held accountable.
BusinessWorld and other reports analyzing the survey described President Marcos’ ratings as largely “flat,” suggesting that while some government initiatives received positive recognition, these gains were outweighed by persistent concerns over corruption issues, economic pressures, and governance.
The findings also sparked intense reactions across various social media platforms.
Many online users expressed disappointment with the administration, with discussions becoming highly emotional. Some posts criticizing the President used harsh labels and personal insults. Public comments also reflected frustration over the government’s handling of economic issues and perceived lack of urgency in addressing public concerns.
At the same time, the survey drew comparisons between President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte.
Based on the same PUBLiCUS Asia PAHAYAG Q2 Survey, Vice President Sara Duterte recorded a Gross Approval Rating of 28 percent and a Gross Trust Rating of 26 percent, both unchanged from the first quarter of 2026.
While her ratings did not increase, they remained considerably higher than those of President Marcos.
Political observers noted that maintaining stable approval despite facing controversies suggests that Vice President Duterte continues to retain a significant support base.
However, analysts also emphasized that her ratings were affected by several issues, including criticism over her absence from clarificatory hearings conducted by the House of Representatives and reports involving bank accounts linked to members of her family that were mentioned in Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) findings. Despite these controversies, her overall public support remained relatively steady during the survey period.
The contrasting survey results have fueled renewed debate over the country’s political landscape as attention gradually shifts toward future national elections.
Political analysts caution, however, that survey results represent public opinion only during the specific period when respondents were interviewed. Public sentiment can change depending on economic conditions, government performance, major national events, and future political developments.
The latest survey nevertheless underscores a growing challenge for the Marcos administration. While efforts continue to address inflation, stabilize the economy, and implement infrastructure projects, many Filipinos appear to remain unconvinced that these initiatives have translated into meaningful improvements in their daily lives.
For government officials, the findings serve as another reminder that public trust is built not only through policies and announcements but also through visible results, transparency, and accountability.
As the administration enters the second half of 2026, political observers say rebuilding confidence may require stronger responses to economic concerns, clearer communication with the public, and decisive action on issues that continue to erode trust in government. / aptikons