By Brian Campued
Most Filipinos continue to trust and approve the performance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., according to a latest survey by OCTA Research Group.
In its third-quarter Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey conducted on Sept. 4–7, 2024, the pollster said the President received 69% trust and 66% performance ratings, a small dip from the previous quarter’s results.
In the July 2024 survey, Marcos’ trust rating was recorded at 71%, while his performance rating at 68%.
“It is important to note that while some fluctuations in the ratings have been observed, these changes fall within the margin of error,” OCTA said, adding that the President’s ratings “have remained statistically unchanged” since the second quarter.
The Chief Executive received both of his highest trust and performance ratings in Balance Luzon at 78% and 74%, respectively, while the lowest in Mindanao at 50% and 48%.
In terms of socio-economic classes, Marcos received his highest trust and performance ratings from respondents belonging to Classes ABC at 73% and 69%, respectively, while his lowest ratings were from Class E at 67% and 64%.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte’s trust rating fell to 59%—a six-point drop from 65% in the 2nd quarter survey. Her performance rating also declined by eight points to 52%, compared to the 60% recorded in the previous quarter.
“These declines continue a downward trend observed since March 2023,” OCTA noted.
“Such fluctuations indicate a shifting sentiment among the electorate and the potential impact of current political dynamics,” the pollster added.
Contrary to the President, the Vice President received her highest trust rating in Mindanao at 95% and lowest in Balance Luzon at 43%. Her performance rating also remained highest in Mindanao at 90% and lowest in the National Capital Region at 38%.
Among socioeconomic classes, Duterte obtained her highest trust and performance ratings from respondents belonging to Class E at 73% and 63%, respectively, while her lowest ratings were from Class ABC at 52% and 50%.
Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero received 67% trust and 65% approval ratings; House Speaker Martin Romualdez got 61% trust and 62% approval ratings; and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo earned 15% trust and 14% approval ratings.
The TNM survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adult Filipinos nationwide, with a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level. For the subnational estimates for the geographic areas, Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have a ±6% margin of error at a 95% confidence level.
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