Public confidence in Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has taken a significant hit, with his approval and trust ratings dropping sharply in recent months, according to a survey by Pulse Asia Research Incorporated. In contrast, Vice President Sara Duterte has emerged as the only top official to see an uptick in public support, highlighting a stark divide in perceptions of the country’s leadership.

Marcos’ Declining Popularity

The latest Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan survey, conducted in March 2025, reveals a steep decline in Marcos’ approval rating, which fell by 17 percentage points from 42% in February to just 25% in March. His disapproval rating, meanwhile, surged to 53%, with 22% of respondents remaining undecided. Trust in the president mirrored this downward trend, dropping from 42% to 25%, while distrust rose from 32% to 54% over the same period.

This significant erosion of support comes amid ongoing political and economic challenges facing the administration. While the Pulse Asia report did not specify the exact reasons for the decline, analysts suggest that public dissatisfaction may stem from issues such as inflation, unemployment, and perceived policy missteps. The timing of the survey, conducted a month after Vice President Duterte’s historic impeachment by the House of Representatives on February 5, 2025, may also have influenced public sentiment toward the broader leadership.

Duterte’s Rising Approval

In a striking contrast, Vice President Sara Duterte saw her performance rating improve by 7 percentage points, rising from 52% in February to 59% in March. Her trust rating also climbed by 8 points, from 53% to 61%, with only 16% expressing distrust. This makes Duterte the most trusted and approved-of figure among the country’s top four officials, a position that sets her apart in an otherwise turbulent political landscape.

Duterte’s gains in public support are particularly noteworthy given the recent impeachment proceedings against her. On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives transmitted Articles of Impeachment to the Senate with over 200 signatures from lawmakers, marking a historic move. However, the Senate adjourned without addressing the document, leaving the process in limbo. Some observers speculate that Duterte’s resilience in the face of political adversity may have bolstered her image as a steadfast leader among certain segments of the population.

Other Officials Struggle with Public Perception

Beyond Marcos and Duterte, the Pulse Asia survey paints a mixed picture for other high-ranking officials. Senate President Chiz Escudero experienced a notable drop in approval, falling by 8 percentage points to 39%, with a corresponding rise in disapproval to 18%. His trust rating also declined from 47% to 38%, accompanied by an increase in distrust from 14% to 20%. Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez saw no change in his already low approval rating of 14%, but his disapproval rating skyrocketed from 14% in February to 54% in March. His trust rating stands at a mere 14%, with 57% of respondents expressing distrust—a 15-point increase from the previous month.

These figures suggest a broader dissatisfaction with the political establishment, with Duterte as the sole exception. Romualdez’s particularly low ratings may reflect public frustration with the House’s role in the impeachment proceedings against Duterte, though specific reasons remain unclear in the survey data.

Political Context and Implications

The diverging trajectories of Marcos and Duterte highlight the complex dynamics within Philippine politics. Marcos, who campaigned on a platform of unity and continuity with his family’s political legacy, now faces mounting challenges in maintaining public trust. His administration has been grappling with economic pressures, including rising costs of living and uneven post-pandemic recovery, which may be contributing to the sharp decline in his ratings. If these trends persist, they could weaken his political capital ahead of future legislative battles or midterm elections.

Duterte’s rising popularity, on the other hand, positions her as a potential counterweight to Marcos within the administration. As the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, she carries significant political clout, and her improved ratings may reflect lingering support for her family’s hardline governance style. However, the unresolved impeachment process introduces an element of uncertainty. If the Senate eventually takes up the Articles of Impeachment, the outcome could either solidify or undermine her standing, depending on public and political reactions.

The broader decline in approval for figures like Escudero and Romualdez further underscores a growing disconnect between the public and the political elite. With trust in key institutions wavering, there is a risk of increased polarization, particularly if economic conditions do not improve or if political infighting escalates. The impeachment saga, in particular, has the potential to deepen divisions, as it pits factions within the government against each other at a time when unified leadership is arguably most needed.

Public Sentiment and Regional Variations

While the Pulse Asia survey provides a national snapshot, it is worth noting that public sentiment often varies across regions in the Philippines, a country with diverse cultural and economic landscapes. Marcos’ support base has historically been strong in areas like Ilocos Norte, tied to his family’s political stronghold, but economic grievances could be eroding even this traditional loyalty. Duterte, meanwhile, continues to draw significant backing from Mindanao, where her father’s influence remains potent. These regional dynamics could play a crucial role in shaping the political narrative in the coming months.

Social media platforms, including posts on X, reflect a polarized public discourse. Some users express frustration with Marcos over perceived inaction on pressing issues, while others praise Duterte for her resilience amid political attacks. These sentiments, while not representative of the entire population, offer a glimpse into the passionate debates surrounding the country’s leadership.

The decline in Marcos’ ratings comes at a time when the Philippines faces significant economic headwinds. Inflation has been a persistent concern, with rising prices for basic goods squeezing household budgets. Unemployment rates, though improved from pandemic highs, remain a challenge in certain sectors, particularly for young workers. If public dissatisfaction with economic performance continues to grow, it could further erode trust in the administration, creating a vicious cycle of political and social unrest.

Moreover, the impeachment proceedings against Duterte add a layer of instability to an already fragile political environment. While the vice president’s ratings suggest she retains significant public support, the outcome of the Senate’s eventual decision—if it chooses to act—could have far-reaching consequences. A successful impeachment would be a historic first for the Philippines and could reshape power dynamics within the government. Conversely, a dismissal of the charges might strengthen Duterte’s position, potentially setting the stage for a more assertive role in national politics.

Looking Forward

As the Philippines navigates this period of shifting public trust, questions remain about how the leadership will respond to these challenges. For Marcos, rebuilding confidence will likely require tangible progress on economic issues and a more visible engagement with public concerns. For Duterte, maintaining her upward trajectory could hinge on her ability to weather the impeachment storm while capitalizing on her growing popularity.

In a nation where political loyalties are often deeply personal and tied to family legacies, the coming months will test the resilience of both leaders. With public opinion in flux and critical issues on the horizon, the stakes for Philippine democracy have rarely been higher.