Marcos trust dips to 34%; Sara holds at 57%

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s public trust rating slipped to 34% in June 2026, while Vice President Sara Duterte maintained a significantly higher trust rating of 57%, according to the latest Stratbase Group-commissioned survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) ahead of the President’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The nationwide survey, conducted from June 20 to 29, found that 34% of Filipinos expressed “much trust” in President Marcos, down by one percentage point from 35% recorded in March 2026.

Meanwhile, 45% said they had little trust in the President, while 19% remained undecided.

The latest results extend the President’s downward trust trend from a high of 64% in July 2024. His trust rating gradually declined throughout 2025, briefly rebounding to 48% in June last year before falling to the current level.

In contrast, Vice President Sara Duterte sustained a stronger public trust rating, with 57% of respondents saying they had much trust in her—unchanged from the previous quarter.

However, the proportion of Filipinos expressing little trust in Duterte increased by five percentage points to 27%, while 15% said they were undecided.

The survey was released less than two weeks before President Marcos is scheduled to deliver his fifth—and penultimate—State of the Nation Address on July 27.

Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said the findings should serve as a reminder for the administration to address the concerns that matter most to Filipinos.

“The survey should serve as a wake-up call for the administration. As President Marcos prepares to deliver his fifth SONA, Filipinos will be looking not for rhetoric but for a clear plan to address the issues that affect their daily lives,” Manhit said.

He urged the President to demonstrate stronger political will in addressing inflation, particularly the rising cost of food and other essential commodities, creating quality jobs, ensuring stable prices, and improving the delivery of basic public services.

Manhit also said the President should use the SONA to reinforce the administration’s commitment to accountability and good governance.

He noted that recent controversies, including questions surrounding flood control projects and the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte, have heightened public demand for transparency and responsible leadership.

“The President has an opportunity to show that no one is above accountability and that public resources will be protected. Restoring public confidence begins with delivering meaningful solutions to the everyday concerns of the Filipino people,” Manhit added.

The survey interviewed 1,200 respondents nationwide through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire with visual aids. It has a ±3% margin of error for national estimates and ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, at the 95% confidence level.