Marcos unfazed by latest SWS trust rating dip - Palace

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains focused on his work despite a slight decline in his trust rating, Malacañang said Wednesday, Oct. 15, following the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing both Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte losing ground among Filipino respondents.

According to the SWS poll conducted from Sept. 24 to 30, Marcos’ trust rating slipped to 43 percent, down from 48 percent in June. The result, however, suggests signs of stabilization after months of neutral or negative trends.

Duterte’s trust rating fell more sharply to 53 percent, down eight percentage points from 61 percent — her steepest drop this year.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the president remains undeterred by survey numbers, emphasizing his commitment to governance and fighting corruption.

“Ang Pangulong Marcos, Jr. ay nakikita natin na tunay na nagtatrabaho at kumakalaban sa korapsyon. Walang humpay para umangat ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino sa gitna ng mga kalamidad na kinakaharap natin,” Castro said.

[Translation: We see President Marcos Jr. as someone who truly works hard and fights corruption. He is tireless in helping improve the lives of every Filipino amid the challenges our country faces.]

“Hindi man niya alintana ang numero sa mga survey, pero ikinalulugod niya na nararamdaman na ng mga kababayan natin na ang pangulo at ang gobyerno ay nandyan para sa kanila,” she added.

[Translation: He may not mind the numbers in surveys, but he is pleased that Filipinos are now feeling that the President and the government are there for them.]

SWS said the declines reflect a “shifting public mood,” with Filipinos reassessing their confidence in the country’s top leaders.

Political analyst and Stratbase Group President Dindo Manhit said that “governance performance is the ultimate driver of trust,” adding that people’s confidence strengthens when they see “decisive, transparent action on issues affecting their daily lives.”

The survey, conducted among 1,500 respondents nationwide with a ±3 percent margin of error, also revealed that Marcos’ trust among the poorest Filipinos in Class E fell from 50 to 38 percent, while Duterte’s support declined among Classes D and E.

Despite the dip, Malacañang said Marcos will continue focusing on “results, not ratings.”