Malacañang said President Marcos’ improved trust ratings in the latest OCTA Research survey reflect growing public appreciation for his work ethic and increased visibility.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this after the OCTA Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from July 12 to 17 showed that Marcos’ trust and satisfaction rating rose to 64 percent (from 60 percent in April) and 62 percent (from 59 percent in April), respectively.

In her press briefing on Friday, Aug. 1, the Palace Press Officer said the President’s focus on governance is now being seen and felt by more Filipinos, contributing to the boost in survey numbers.

“Malamang po nakikita na po ng taong bayan kung ano po talaga ang ginagawang trabaho ng Pangulo (First of all, the public is clearly starting to see the President’s actual work),” she said.

“Nakakatuwa at nakikita na po nila kung gaano kasipag ang Pangulo para sa taong bayan at para sa bayan (It’s encouraging that they now recognize how hardworking he is for the people and the nation),” she added.

Castro said the President remains unfazed by survey numbers but welcomes the results as signs that the public acknowledges his efforts.

“Ang Pangulo po ay hindi maapektuhan ng anumang numero (The President is not affected by numbers),” she said.

“Pero syempre po ito'y ikinagagalak… Mas mahirap po kasi na bumababa ang rating pero nagtatrabaho. Pero mas mabigat ‘yung hindi nagtatrabaho pero tumataas ang rating (But of course, this is encouraging. It’s more difficult if your rating is going down despite working hard. But it’s worse if someone’s not doing anything yet their rating is going up),” she added.

Asked who she was referring to, Castro quipped, “Kung sino po ‘yung hindi nagtatrabaho na mga public official, siguro kung mataas ang rating nila (If a public official isn’t doing any work but still has a high rating)—wow!”

Castro also credited more effective communication from the administration, noting that the President’s public engagements are now being highlighted more clearly.

“Yes, I think so,” she said when asked if messaging has contributed to Marcos’ better trust and satisfaction ratings.

“Mas nakikita ngayon ng mga kababayan natin kung saan nagpupunta ang Pangulo… Noon po ay hindi ito masyadong naipapakita marahil ng Pangulo dahil siya po ay trabaho lang nang trabaho (People now see more of the President’s activities… In the past, perhaps these weren’t being shown because the President was just focused on work),” she added.

Castro said it is important for the public to witness these engagements firsthand.

“Kailangan po talaga makita ng taong bayan para malaman nila at ma-differentiate nila ‘yung taong nagtatrabaho at ‘yung nagbabakasyon lang (The public really needs to see who’s working and who’s just on vacation),” she said.