* Filipinos berate Marcos on soaring prices and unmitigated corruption By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to receive more disapproval than approval in the latest survey by Pulse Asia, reflecting weaker public confidence amid high prices and a declining peso.
The survey showed 36 percent of Filipinos approve of Marcos’ performance, while 45 percent disapprove. It also found that 44 percent distrust the President, compared to 35 percent who trust him.
Vice President Sara Duterte, meanwhile, posted stronger numbers, with a 55 percent approval rating, 27 percent disapproval, and 18 percent undecided. She also kept strong support in Visayas and Mindanao, as well as among lower-income groups.
According to Pulse Asia, the poll conducted from February 27 to March 2 among 1,200 respondents highlighted a gap in public perception between the country’s top two officials.
Marcos recorded his highest approval in the rest of Luzon at 54 percent, but disapproval was higher in the Visayas and Mindanao, also among lower-income respondents. Ratings in other areas were more divided.
The Vice President, meanwhile, gained majority approval across several regions and sectors, though her ratings were more mixed among higher-income respondents.
The same survey identified rising prices as the most urgent concern for Filipinos. About 59 percent said the government should act immediately to control inflation, making it the top issue nationwide.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed inflation increased to 2.4 percent in February 2026, driven mainly by higher food and utility costs.
Corruption ranked second among the most urgent issues, cited by 47 percent of respondents, followed by calls to increase workers’ wages. Other concerns included poverty, job creation, illegal drugs, and crime.
Across all regions and income groups, inflation remained the only issue identified by a majority of respondents, indicating continued public concern over the rising cost of living.
Duterte expressed gratitude to Filipinos on Monday, March 16, for their continued support following the release of the recent Pulse Asia survey.
“I always express my gratitude to our fellow Filipinos for their continued support and trust in my colleagues and in me in the Office of the Vice President,” Duterte told reporters in an interview in Digos City.
The Vice President said she could not comment further on the survey results, noting that she was unaware of how the poll was conducted and who commissioned it.
“With or without surveys, I am grateful because the people’s trust and confidence in me remain,” she added, emphasizing that her strength comes from the people.
Asked about the possibility of running for president in 2028, Duterte did not directly confirm any plans but acknowledged the challenges facing the country.
“It will be a difficult road back to prosperity, but it is not impossible,” the Vice President said, expressing cautious optimism about the Philippines’ future
