By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Tuesday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains undeterred by survey ratings and is prepared to absorb the political consequences of his administration’s intensified crackdown on corruption, particularly in anomalous flood control projects.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement after a Pulse Asia Research survey showed that public sentiment toward the President remained largely negative in December 2025, while Vice President Sara Duterte continued to post majority approval and trust ratings.
Castro said survey results serve only as a guide for governance and will not affect the President’s resolve to pursue accountability.
“Ang ratings ay magsisilbing guide sa administrasyon pero ano man ang resulta nito, mataas o mababa ay hindi makakaapekto kay Pangulo at sa kaniyang tuloy-tuloy na pagtatrabaho lalo na sa pagsugpo o pagkitil sa korapsiyon,” Castro said.
She said the administration understands that decisive action against corruption may carry political costs.
“Kung ang dahilan ng pagbaba ng rating ng Pangulo ay dahil sa ginagawa niya sa pagpapaimbestiga sa mga sangkot sa maanomalyang flood control projects… hindi iindahin ng Pangulo ang pagbaba ng rating dahil ito ay isang RIGHT decision kahit hindi POPULAR decision,” she added.
Castro stressed that the President was fully aware that the probe could affect his administration politically but chose to proceed in the interest of the public.
“Alam ng Pangulo na maaapektuhan ang kanyang administrasyon pero tinuloy ang pagpapaimbestiga para sa bayan at para sa mamamayan,” she said.
She also drew a contrast with the previous administration, noting that high approval ratings did not necessarily translate into accountability.
“Mataas nga ang rating ng nakaraang administrasyon sa loob ng anim na taon pero may mga kickbacks bang naisuli o nakasuhan kahit maraming ghost projects?” Castro asked.
Pulse Asia said its Dec. 12–15 survey, conducted among 1,200 respondents nationwide, showed 48% disapproval and 47% distrust ratings for Marcos, figures that remained largely unchanged from September 2025.
