DUTERTE (FB)
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte thanked Filipinos on Monday, March 16, for their support in the latest Pulse Asia survey.
"I always express my gratitude to our fellow Filipinos for their continued support and trust in my colleagues and in me in the Office of the Vice President," Duterte said.
However, the Vice President said she could not comment further on the survey as she was unaware of how the poll was conducted and who commissioned it.
"With or without surveys, I am grateful because the people's trust and confidence in me remain," she added.
In the first quarter 2026 Pulse Asia survey, Duterte had higher trust and approval ratings than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Duterte had a 55 percent approval rating, 27 percent disapproval, and 18 percent undecided. She kept strong support in Visayas and Mindanao as well as among lower-income groups.
The survey showed 36 percent of Filipinos approve of Marcos' performance while 45 percent disapprove. It also found out that 44 percent distrust the President, compared to 35 percent who trust him.
Pulse Asia said the poll conducted from Feb. 27 to March 2 with 1,200 respondents highlighted a gap in public perception between the country's top two officials.
Marcos recorded his highest approval in the rest of Luzon at 54 percent but disapproval was higher in the Visayas and Mindanao and lower-income respondents. Ratings in other areas were more divided.
The Vice President gained majority approval across several regions and sectors though her ratings were more mixed among higher-income respondents.
The survey identified rising prices as the most urgent concern for Filipinos. Fifty-nine percent said the government should act immediately to control inflation, the top issue nationwide.
The Philippine Statistics Authority said inflation increased to 2.4 percent in February due to higher food and utility costs.
Corruption ranked second among the most urgent issues, cited by 47 percent of respondents, followed by calls to increase workers' wages. Other concerns included poverty, job creation, illegal drugs, and crime.
Across all regions and income groups, inflation remained the only issue identified by a majority of respondents, indicating continued public concern over the rising cost of living.
Duterte did not directly confirm any plans to run for president in 2028 but acknowledged the challenges facing the country.
"It will be a difficult road back to prosperity, but it is not impossible," the Vice President said, expressing cautious optimism about the Philippines' future.