MANILA — Public satisfaction with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rebounded in early 2026, while ratings for Vice President Sara Duterte have weakened, according to a new nationwide survey released by OCTA Research.

The poll, conducted from March 19 to 25 among 1,200 adults through face-to-face interviews, suggests a widening divergence in how Filipinos view the country’s two highest officials as political and economic pressures intensify.

Marcos’s trust rating rose by six percentage points to 54%, while satisfaction with his performance climbed to 55%, up four points from the previous quarter. Gains were recorded across all major regions, with the largest increases seen in the National Capital Region and Mindanao.

By contrast, VP Duterte’s trust rating remained statistically unchanged at 55%, but her performance rating declined by four points to 50%, reflecting what analysts described as “mixed and differentiated” public perceptions.

The survey was carried out during a period of heightened national strain, including a worsening oil crisis linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, and renewed political tensions at home.

On March 24, midway through the polling period, Marcos declared a national energy emergency in response to rising fuel prices and supply concerns. At the same time, the House of Representatives was advancing a second impeachment case against VP Duterte, with formal hearings opening on the final day of the survey.

Regional Shifts

The President’s improved ratings were most pronounced in urban and politically competitive regions. Trust in the president rose nine points in Metro Manila and a similar margin in Mindanao, traditionally considered a stronghold of the Duterte family.

Performance ratings followed a similar trend, with a ten-point increase in the capital and notable gains in the Visayas and Mindanao. Only Balance Luzon recorded a marginal decline.

Despite these gains, Mindanao remains Marcos’s weakest region, where both trust and satisfaction levels trail national averages and dissatisfaction is highest.

Duterte’s Mixed Standing

Sara Duterte continues to command strong support in Mindanao, where her trust rating stands at 90% and performance satisfaction rose to 83%. However, her ratings have declined sharply in other parts of the country.

In Metro Manila, her performance rating fell by seven points to 37%, while Balance Luzon saw a six-point drop. Declines were also recorded among lower-income respondents, who make up the majority of the population.

The number of undecided respondents regarding her performance increased nationwide, suggesting growing uncertainty about her leadership amid mounting political challenges.

“Widening Gap” in Perception

In its report, OCTA Research said the results “highlight a widening gap in perception,” explaining that while opinion of the president is “becoming more defined and positive,” views of the vice president are growing “mixed and differentiated.”

“This divergence may reflect evolving public expectations shaped by both domestic political developments and external pressures, including global geopolitical tensions and their potential economic impacts,” OCTA said in its executive summary.

With both an energy crisis and political confrontation unfolding simultaneously, analysts say public sentiment in the coming months may hinge on how effectively leaders respond to rising costs and institutional challenges.

📷 Inday Sara Duterte and Bongbong Marcos FB