A survey released by OCTA Research on Thursday indicated a decline in the trust and performance ratings of the Philippines’ two highest-ranking officials in the third quarter of 2024.
The non-commissioned survey showed that 69 percent of respondents maintained their trust on President Marcos, while 66 percent approved of his performance.
These represented a two-percent decline from the 71 percent (trust) and 68 percent (performance) ratings recorded by the same firm during its second-quarter survey.
OCTA, a Quezon City-based research and consultancy firm, characterized the slip in Mr. Marcos’ numbers as a “slight decline”
It pointed out that the President’s trust ratings “have remained statistically unchanged” since the second quarter, as the decline fell within the margin of error.
“The President’s national trust rating remained stable compared to the last quarter,” OCTA said in its report.
The survey, which was conducted from September 4 to 7, indicated that only 11 percent of respondents distrust President Marcos, while 19 percent remained undecided about their position.
Some 12 percent were dissatisfied with the chief executive’s performance, and 23 percent were still uncertain.
Despite the decline, Mr. Marcos still received majority trust ratings across all major regions and socioeconomic classes.
The same survey showed, that Vice President Sara Duterte’s trust ratings plummeted by six percentage points to 59 percent today from 65 percent in the second quarter.
“This significant drop raises concerns, particularly as her distrust rating now stands at 14%, with 27% of respondents undecided. This downward trajectory in trust ratings is stark compared to March 2023, when she enjoyed an impressive trust level of 87%,” OCTA further reported.
“Such fluctuations indicate a shifting sentiment among the electorate and the potential impact of current political dynamics,” the surveyor inferred.
Also, Duterte’s performance rating significantly declined, from 60 percent to 52 percent, or by eight percentage points.
Fifteen percent of the respondents are also dissatisfied with her performance, while 33 percent remain undecided.
“It is crucial to highlight that Vice President Duterte-Carpio’s ratings have steadily decreased for over two straight quarters in 2024,” according to OCTA.
By region, OCTA’s survey also revealed that the President received his highest trust rating in Balanced Luzon at 78 percent, and lowest in Mindanao at 50 percent.
Likewise, Duterte’s highest trust rating was in Mindanao at 95 percent, and lowest in Balanced Luzon at 43 percent.
By socioeconomic class, the President received his highest trust and performance ratings from respondents belonging to Classes ABC at 73 percent and 69 percent, respectively, while his lowest ratings were from Class E at 67 percent and 64 percent.
Inversely, the Vice President received her highest trust and performance ratings from respondents belonging to Class E at 73 percent and 63 percent, respectively.
Her lowest ratings were recorded from respondents representing Classes ABC.
OCTA said its survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide.
