President Marcos faces public distrust

A Pulse Asia survey conducted from May 6 to 9 found that majority of Filipino voters continue to trust former president Rodrigo Duterte, while a plurality express distrust toward President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The survey found that 63 percent of respondents trust Duterte, compared to just 32 percent who trust President Marcos.

Meanwhile, 42 percent said they distrust the President, the highest level of distrust recorded among the top officials included in the survey, which also covered Vice President Sara Duterte.

Though still holding relatively strong trust support, the Vice President saw a decline in trust, with 50 percent of respondents expressing confidence in her, down seven percentage points from April. 

Distrust in her rose to 25 percent, with another 25 percent undecided.

Marcos’ distrusted most in Mindanao, Class D

Distrust toward President Marcos was particularly high in Mindanao, where 81 percent of respondents said they do not trust him, likely reflecting his ongoing political rift with the Duterte family. 

It was also the leading sentiment among Class D voters (41 percent), who represent the bulk of the voting population.

Public opinion was more divided in other regions. 

In Metro Manila, 42 percent trusted President Marcos while 33 percent distrusted him. 

In the Visayas, 38 percent expressed trust and 42 percent distrust. 

Among Class E voters, distrust slightly outweighed trust (46 percent versus 40 percent). 

In Class ABC, distrust stood at 43 percent, with 32 percent undecided.

The only notable change in the President’s ratings from April to May was a nine-point drop in distrust in the rest of Luzon.

VP’s support softens

Vice President Sara Duterte's trust rating fell from April to May, with notable declines in the rest of Luzon (-8 points), the Visayas (-24 points), and among Class D voters (-7 points). 

These areas also recorded increases in distrust and indecision.

Despite these declines, the Vice President continues to enjoy strong support in Mindanao (97 percent) and plurality to majority trust in most socio-economic classes, ranging from 44 to 65 percent.

Former president’s ratings remain steady

Rodrigo Duterte continues to enjoy widespread trust across regions and demographics. 

Majorities or pluralities in nearly all geographic and socio-economic groups said they trust him. 

His trust rating remained steady from April to May, with only minor fluctuations in indecision levels, particularly a 16-point drop in Metro Manila and an 11-point rise in the Visayas.

Pulse Asia conducted the survey using face-to-face interviews with 1,200 registered voters aged 18 and above.