DECEMBER 30, 2025 — Vice President Sara Duterte continues to hold majority approval and trust ratings, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. faces persistent disapproval, according to Pulse Asia’s December 2025 Ulat ng Bayan survey.

Conducted from December 12 to 15 with 1,200 respondents nationwide, the survey revealed that 56 percent approved of Duterte’s performance, while 54 percent expressed trust in her. In contrast, Marcos registered 48 percent disapproval and 47 percent distrust, with only 34 percent approving of his work.

Regional breakdowns show Duterte’s strongest support in the Visayas and Mindanao, particularly among Class D and E households. Marcos, meanwhile, managed to secure majority approval only in the rest of Luzon at 51 percent, but disapproval dominated in Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Trust ratings for both officials remained largely unchanged from September to December, underscoring entrenched public sentiment. Pulse Asia noted indecision levels at 18 percent for Marcos and 20 percent for Duterte.

Beyond leadership ratings, the survey highlighted pressing national concerns. Inflation topped the list at 59 percent, followed by corruption at 48 percent and low wages at 39 percent. Other issues — poverty, jobs, criminality, and illegal drugs — also weighed heavily on respondents.

The administration earned majority approval in only one area: protecting overseas Filipino workers, at 57 percent. On issues such as inflation control, poverty reduction, and corruption, disapproval prevailed.

UniTeam no more

With Duterte maintaining steady ground and Marcos struggling to shake off negative perceptions, who will ultimately gain the upper hand? Will economic frustrations and governance failures tilt the balance further?

The clash between two political dynasties isn’t just about personalities — it’s about the people’s demand for real answers to everyday problems. Throw in the upcoming national elections and suddenly it’s a high-stakes arena where trust, frustration, and survival instincts all collide. 

For many Filipinos, the real question isn’t who’s more popular, but who can actually ease inflation, raise wages, and fight corruption — issues that matter far more than family rivalries. 

(Image: PTV)