Trust in national leaders has softened since mid-2025 amid the escalation of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) controversy, as shown by a Stratbase Institute-commissioned survey.
In the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), results showed a drop in the total “much trust” rating from 43% in September to 38% in November, with “little trust” increasing from 36% to 41%.
Trust erosion was most notable in the National Capital Region (NCR), where the “much trust” rating fell to 36% in November, 10 points lower than in September. Mindanao also experienced a significant decline, with trust dropping by 20% from 27% in September.
“The data points to a polarized but highly attentive public, particularly in the National Capital Region and Mindanao, where trust erosion has been more pronounced, areas that were heavily affected by flooding and infrastructure-related concerns. Trust levels in parts of Balance Luzon and the Visayas were relatively steadier but also reflected growing caution,” Stratbase Group Founder and CEO Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said.
The survey also revealed that Vice President Sara Duterte registered a national “much trust” rating of 56% in November 2025.
This rating showed significant regional variation, with trust levels in Mindanao remaining notably high at 83%. The Visayas followed with 64%, while Balance Luzon recorded 44%. NCR had the lowest trust rating at 42%.
Manhit clarified that the survey was conducted before the filing of plunder and other criminal charges against Vice President Sara Duterte and 15 others.
These charges involve allegations of plunder, graft, falsification, and malversation related to the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds during her tenure as a cabinet secretary.
The Stratbase Institute also highlighted that the survey reflects a political environment characterized by volatility.
It pointed out that public opinion is influenced by perceptions of integrity, performance, and institutional responses to corruption.
“The steady decline in trust indicators following the exposure of the DPWH flood control scandal signals a strong public sentiment that those responsible must be arrested, prosecuted, and held accountable. Filipinos are clearly connecting corruption to governance failure and to the real human costs experienced during repeated flooding,” he added.
The face-to-face commissioned survey was conducted from November 24 to 30 and involved 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above.
The sampling error margins are ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for each region: Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
