A growing number of Filipinos are becoming pessimistic about the government’s leadership and the country’s future, according to the latest Pahayag First Quarter Survey (PQ1-2025), conducted from March 15-20, 2025.
The nationwide independent survey revealed a significant drop in pro-Marcos administration sentiment, which fell from 28% in Q4 2024 to 15% in Q1 2025.
According to Pahayag, this is the “sharpest decline” recorded.
Meanwhile, anti-administration sentiment surged from 30% to 45%, while neutral sentiment remained stable at 39%.
Support for the administration is highest in the National Capital Region (22%), while anti-administration sentiment is strongest in Visayas (52%) and Mindanao (62%)—the bailiwick of the Dutertes, who have positioned themselves as the “opposition” to the Marcos administration.
The survey also noted an increase in pro-opposition support (+8%) and anti-opposition sentiment (+7%), though nearly half of respondents (46%) continue to hold a neutral stance.
Public confidence in the country’s economic future has also weakened, according to the survey results. Forty-five percent of respondents believe the country is in a “weak state,” up from 35% in the previous quarter, while only 28% consider it strong, down from 31%.
The survey further said 45% believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, a sharp rise from 32% in Q4 2024. The survey found that 39% of respondents expect the national economy to decline further, up from 26% last quarter.