Marcos Trust Rating Edges Up as Duterte Maintains Commanding Lead in Latest SWS Survey
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. saw a modest improvement in his trust rating while Vice President Sara Duterte continued to hold a significant advantage among Filipinos, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released Tuesday.
The survey results reveal a political landscape where the country's two highest officials command markedly different levels of public confidence, with Duterte maintaining a substantial 20-percentage-point lead over Marcos in trust ratings.
Key Survey Findings
The SWS survey, conducted nationwide, showed the following results:
- President Marcos: Trust rating recovered to 36%, representing a slight uptick from previous polling periods
- Vice President Duterte: Trust rating remained high at 56%, underscoring her sustained popularity among Filipinos
The gap between the two leaders' trust ratings highlights the continuing political dynamics within the Marcos-Duterte alliance, which swept into power following the 2022 elections.
Context Behind the Numbers
Marcos' improved rating comes after a challenging period for his administration. Previous SWS surveys had shown the President's net trust rating dipping into negative territory, reflecting public concerns over issues including flood control corruption allegations that dominated headlines in late 2025.
The recovery to 36% suggests the administration has made some headway in addressing public concerns, though the figure remains well below the trust levels typically enjoyed during the early months of his presidency.
Duterte's consistent high trust ratings reflect her enduring appeal, particularly in her home region of Mindanao and among voters who supported her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. Her performance as Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary has kept her in the public eye without the direct scrutiny that comes with the presidency.
Political Implications
The survey results carry significant implications for the Philippines' political landscape:
For the Marcos Administration: - The modest recovery suggests stabilization but not a full rebound in public confidence - The administration must address lingering concerns over governance and transparency - Economic challenges and inflation remain potential drags on public sentiment
For Vice President Duterte: - Her sustained popularity positions her as a formidable political force - The numbers will fuel speculation about her political ambitions beyond 2028 - Maintaining high trust while serving in the Cabinet demonstrates her political dexterity
For the Alliance: - The divergent trajectories of the two leaders' ratings could create tensions within the administration - Political observers will watch closely for any signs of fracture in the unity ticket
Historical Perspective
Trust ratings in Philippine politics have historically served as key indicators of political capital. Presidents typically enjoy honeymoon periods with high ratings that gradually decline as they confront difficult policy decisions and governance challenges.
Marcos' trajectory follows this pattern, though the recovery to 36% suggests he may have reached a floor and begun rebuilding. Duterte's ability to maintain 56% trust despite being in a supporting role is notable and contrasts with typical Vice presidential ratings, which often lag behind the President's.
What's Next
The survey results will likely influence political calculations across the spectrum. Administration allies may take comfort in the President's improved numbers, while opposition figures could use the persistent trust gap to argue that the public favors alternative leadership.
For ordinary Filipinos, these numbers represent more than political horse-racing — they reflect public confidence in the government's ability to address pressing concerns including inflation, job security, and public services.
The next SWS survey will be closely watched to determine whether Marcos' recovery represents a sustained trend or a temporary fluctuation. Similarly, observers will monitor whether Duterte's ratings remain resilient or begin to show signs of erosion as the 2028 election cycle approaches.
The SWS survey was conducted nationwide with a representative sample of Filipino adults. Results have a margin of error of ±3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.
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