House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe of Zamboanga City said Monday that the significant decline in Vice President Sara Duterte’s trust ratings could be because of her continued refusal to address allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds,
According to a recent survey conducted by Stratbase, Inc., Duterte’s trust rating plummeted from 45 percent in July to 29 percent in September.
Dalipe said VP Duterte’s most significant drop in trust ratings was recorded in Balance Luzon, where Duterte’s trust rating fell by 25 percent, from 36 percent in June to just 11 percent in September.
The House leader said this was followed by a 21 percent decline in the National Capital Region (NCR), where her trust rating dropped to 13 percent from 34 percent .
Dalipe said a 15 percent decline was also observed in the Visayas, while her trust ratings in Mindanao rose slightly by four percent. The survey had a margin of error of ±three percent.
He said Duterte’s trust rating took a hit across both urban and rural areas. In urban areas, her trust rating dropped by 21 percent, while rural areas showed an 11 percent decline.
“This shows that regardless of geography, the call for accountability resonates deeply with Filipinos everywhere,” Dalipe stated.
Dalipe said the decline in trust ratings was felt across all socio-economic classes, with the largest drop recorded among the upper to middle class (Classes ABC), where her trust rating fell by 26 percent. Class D registered a 15 percent drop, while Class E saw a nine percent decrease.
“This erosion of trust among the upper and middle classes is especially alarming, as these groups typically have a significant impact on public opinion,” Dalipe observed.
Dalipe said the survey also revealed a significant decline in trust among women, with Duterte’s rating dropping by 22 percent, from 50 percent in June to 28 percent in September. Trust among men fell by 10 percent.
“It’s clear that the Vice President is losing support from women, who may have once been a strong base for her,” Dalipe pointed out.
Dalipe accused Duterte of failing to provide transparency and accountability, particularly regarding allegations related to her time as Secretary of the Department of Education. He noted that this decline in trust is the largest among top government officials and is felt across all demographics.
“The people are demanding transparency and accountability from VP Duterte in the midst of so many unanswered questions,” Dalipe said. “This is a reflection of what kind of leader you are because we must protect the people’s funds.”
Dalipe urged Duterte to address the allegations and restore public confidence in her leadership.
