Publicus Asia’s “Pahayag 2023 Third Quarter Survey” showed a decrease in pro-administration sentiment and an increase in anti-administration opinion, but these changes do not seem to affect opposition leanings.

“Specifically, the proportion of respondents who expressed pro-administration sentiments dropped from 48 percent in Q2 (second quarter) to 43 percent in Q3 (third quarter). This decrease indicates that fewer individuals are aligned with the current administration as well as its priorities compared to the previous quarter,” Publicus said in a statement on Thursday, Sept. 28.

“In contrast to the decline in pro-administration support, the survey found a significant increase in anti-administration sentiments. These sentiments grew from 18 percent in the first quarter of 2023 to 23 percent in the third quarter of 2023,” it added.

Publicus Asia pointed out that the increase in anti-administration sentiment indicates a growing trend of dissatisfaction with the administration’s leadership, with a consistent growth in sentiment quarter by quarter.

Meanwhile, the survey found that Filipino voters remain neutral towards their political leaning to the opposition (Liberal Party) at 45 percent.

Publicus Asia said the pro-opposition support remains stable at 20 percent, slightly higher than 18 percent in the last quarter, while anti-opposition support is at 33 percent, slightly lower than 35 percent in the last quarter.

It also noted that regions across the country are showing varying political sentiments towards the Marcos administration.

“In the National Capital Region, there was a substantial drop in pro-administration support (from 47 to 35 percent) and an increase in anti-administration sentiment (from 17 to 30 percent) in the last quarter. Southern Luzon also witnessed a decline in pro-administration support (from 41 to 36 percent). However, Mindanao remains a stronghold of pro-administration support, with 56 percent of respondents expressing allegiance to the administration,” Publicus Asia said.

Only a segment of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s political views, but showed reservations about aligning with the opposition party.

“This group may include individuals who adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, cautiously anticipating improvements from the current administration while refraining from full commitment to the opposition until concrete changes are observed,” Publicus Asia said.

Despite fluctuating pro-administration and anti-administration sentiments, respondents’ political leanings towards the opposition, likely represented by the Liberal Party, remained stable, it pointed out.

“This stability implies that while there have been changes in support for the current administration, they have not translated into a significant shift towards the opposition camp. It is important to note that respondents may have a variety of reasons for this stability, such as continued trust in the opposition’s agenda or dissatisfaction with both sides of the political spectrum,” it added.

The Pahayag survey is an independent and non-commissioned survey, which was conducted from Sept. 7 to 12 and involved 1,500 respondents from a panel of over 200,000 Filipinos gathered nationwide.