What once appeared as an alliance forged in the 2022 presidential elections between the Dutertes and the Marcoses has now deepened into a political divide, one that has notably affected public sentiment across the country.
The public’s shifting views are evident, with the approval ratings of most national leaders on the decline.
However, Vice President Sara Duterte has emerged as a notable exception, experiencing an increase in her approval rating in the latest Pahayag First Quarter Survey (PQ1-2025) by Publicus Asia Inc.
Conducted from March 15 to 20 following the arrest of the former president, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approval rating plummeted from 33% to just 19%, with disapproval soaring to 57%.
The discontent is particularly pronounced in Mindanao and the Visayas, where the highest disapproval rates were recorded.
On the other hand, Vice President Duterte saw her approval rating rise from 37% to 42%, despite various upcoming impeachment proceedings and controversies surrounding her office.
While her disapproval rating remained steady at 37%, the growth in her approval rating highlights her resilience amidst the ongoing political turmoil.
While Vice President Duterte’s ratings rose, her association with her father’s ICC case still looms large. Seventeen percent of survey respondents pointed to the ICC warrant as a key factor affecting their perception of her.
“Other government officials under the Marcos Jr. administration have also seen a decline in their trust ratings. Senate President Escudero’s ratings dropped from 26% to 22%, with 38% of respondents expressing distrust. House Speaker Romualdez also experienced a decline, with his trust rating falling from 13% to 10%, and 61% of respondents indicating distrust,” Pahayag said.
Other government officials under the Marcos Jr. administration have also seen a decline in their trust ratings. Senate President Escudero’s ratings dropped from 26% to 22%, with 38% of respondents expressing distrust. House Speaker Romualdez also experienced a decline, with his trust rating falling from 13% to 10%, and 61% of respondents indicating distrust.