Two administration lawmakers on Tuesday said the latest OCTA Research survey shows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. continues to enjoy majority public approval, even as trust ratings eased in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union, a member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), cited OCTA findings showing approval of the President’s performance at 51 percent in the fourth quarter, down slightly from 54 percent in the third quarter.
Trust ratings moderated to 48 percent from 57 percent over the same period, the poll showed.
“The survey is clear: trust ratings can move, but approval reflects performance—and on performance, the President continues to have the support of a majority of Filipinos,” Ortega said.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong echoed Ortega, saying the OCTA survey points to stability—not panic—for the Marcos administration.
“The data shows stability, not collapse,” said Adiong, chair of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms and a Lakas-CMD stalwart.
“Approval remains above 50 percent, and that tells us Filipinos continue to judge the President on performance.”
Ortega said the figures point to sustained public backing despite the pressures of reform and governance.
“Even in the fourth quarter, 51 percent of adult Filipinos continue to approve of President Marcos’ performance,” he said. “That majority approval matters. It speaks to governing legitimacy.”
Ortega noted that trust is more sensitive to short-term concerns, while approval reflects day-to-day leadership and results.
“Trust can fluctuate depending on the moment, but approval endures when people see the government working,” he said. “The OCTA survey shows that Filipinos continue to give the President a passing mark on performance.”
He added that the administration remains focused on delivering results rather than reacting to surveys.
“The President is focused on governance—on addressing the daily concerns of Filipinos and pushing reforms forward,” Ortega said. “Surveys are snapshots, but the work of the government continues.”
Adiong stressed that trust and approval measure different aspects of public sentiment.
“Trust is more sensitive to short-term pressures and sentiment,” he said. “Approval reflects performance, and on performance, the President still has majority support.”
Adiong said surveys conducted during periods of economic adjustment often reflect temporary shifts as reforms are implemented.
“What we are seeing is a steady base that continues to give the President credit for delivery,” he said.
Adiong said the administration should stay the course, adding: “The message from the numbers is clear: Keep working, keep delivering, and let the results speak.
