Public Trust in President Marcos Faces Significant Challenges
Recent survey results reveal a striking gap in public trust between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte. According to sources familiar with the matter, a Pulse Asia survey conducted from May 6 to 9 highlights that majority of Filipino voters continue to place their trust in Duterte, while a significant portion express distrust toward President Marcos. This survey underscores the complexity of public opinion during this political period.
The survey found that 63 percent of respondents trust former President Duterte, whereas only 32 percent trust President Marcos. Meanwhile, 42 percent of respondents admitted to distrusting the current President, marking the highest distrust level among key officials evaluated, including Vice President Sara Duterte.
Regional and Socioeconomic Divides in Trust
Distrust toward President Marcos is especially pronounced in Mindanao, where 81 percent of respondents do not trust him. This sentiment possibly reflects ongoing political tensions with the Duterte family, influential in that region. Additionally, distrust is most common among Class D voters—representing the largest segment of the voting population—with 41 percent expressing skepticism.
Public opinion elsewhere is more divided. In Metro Manila, 42 percent trust the President while 33 percent distrust him. The Visayas region shows slightly more distrust (42 percent) than trust (38 percent). Among Class E voters, distrust edges out trust at 46 percent versus 40 percent. For Class ABC voters, distrust rises to 43 percent, with 32 percent remaining undecided.
Interestingly, from April to May, the only notable change in President Marcos’ ratings was a nine-point drop in distrust in Luzon outside Metro Manila.
Vice President Sara Duterte’s Declining Trust Ratings
Vice President Sara Duterte experienced a decrease in trust ratings during the same period. Her support fell notably in Luzon outside Metro Manila by eight points, the Visayas by twenty-four points, and among Class D voters by seven points. These areas also reported increases in distrust and indecision. Despite this decline, she still enjoys strong backing in Mindanao, with 97 percent expressing trust, and maintains majority trust in many socioeconomic classes, ranging from 44 to 65 percent.
Former President Duterte’s Consistent Popularity
Former President Rodrigo Duterte remains a figure of widespread trust across regions and demographics. Majorities or pluralities in nearly all geographic and socioeconomic groups continue to support him. His trust rating has stayed steady from April to May, with minor shifts in indecision, including a sixteen-point decrease in Metro Manila and an eleven-point increase in the Visayas.
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 registered voters aged 18 and above. It provides a valuable snapshot of the current political climate and public sentiment toward key national leaders.
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