Metro Manila, Philippines – NewsWatch Plus emerged as the second most trusted online news outlet in the Philippines, according to the latest PAHAYAG survey released Wednesday, Oct. 14, highlighting the importance Filipinos place on factual, independent and evidence-based journalism.
The PAHAYAG 2026 Third Quarter survey by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. showed NewsWatch Plus securing a 24% trust rating among online news outlets, behind ABS-CBN at 30% and ahead of Rappler at 20%.
The findings come as more Filipinos turn to digital platforms for news and information, with internet browsing, social media and television remaining the leading sources.
Internet browsing topped the list of information sources at 58%, followed by Facebook or Meta at 53% and television at 52%.
Social media also emerged as the leading daily gateway for information at 46%, followed by television at 34% and streaming platforms at 31%.
The survey also identified the factors that influence public trust in news organizations.
Verified, factual and evidence-based reporting emerged as the leading reason for trusting a news outlet at 44%, followed by independence and lack of bias at 37% and in-depth analysis with proper context at 35%.
In contrast, 38% identified influenced or biased reporting as a reason for distrusting news organizations.
Sensationalized or exaggerated reporting and inaccurate or unverified information followed closely, both at 37%.
The PAHAYAG 2026 Third Quarter survey was conducted from Oct. 1 to 4, 2026, with 1,581 respondents nationwide.
NewsWatch Plus is the successor of CNN Philippines. It has retained a digital audience of around 11 million followers.
Some of its programs remain on free-to-air television via Aliw Channel 23 and RPTV.
