MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains unfazed by the recent decline in his approval and trust ratings, Malacañang said Tuesday, emphasizing that the drop will not derail his administration’s anti-corruption initiatives.

Palace press officer Claire Castro explained that the President is aware of the survey results but is focused on pursuing investigations into anomalous flood control projects. “If the reason for the decline in the president’s ratings is his push to investigate those involved in anomalous flood control projects that affect the economy and generate political noise, the president will not be bothered by the drop in ratings,” Castro said.

The statement came after Pulse Asia released its December survey showing that Marcos’ approval rating fell to 34 percent, while his trust rating dropped to 32 percent, down from September’s figures. Vice President Sara Duterte, meanwhile, maintained higher trust and performance ratings despite also registering slight declines.

Malacañang underscored that the President is determined to continue his campaign against corruption even if it proves unpopular. “The recent drop in Pres. Bongbong Marcos’ trust ratings will not affect his administration’s anti-corruption efforts,” Castro reiterated.

The Palace also pointed out that Marcos’ stance reflects his willingness to take on “right but not popular” measures. “The President stands by his decision to pursue probes into corruption, even if these are not politically advantageous,” officials said.

Critics have linked the decline in Marcos’ ratings to public dissatisfaction over unresolved corruption scandals and questions about accountability in government projects. However, the Palace insisted that the President is committed to reforms and will not be swayed by survey numbers.

Marcos delivered remarks earlier this month during a ceremony for the promotion of Philippine National Police generals, where he reiterated his administration’s focus on governance and accountability.

Unbothered by Ratings, but Filipinos Are Watching Results

Saying a president is “unfazed” by falling ratings sounds strong. It suggests conviction. Resolve. A leader choosing what is right over what is popular. But for many Filipinos, the issue is not whether President Marcos Jr. cares about surveys. It is whether his anti-corruption drive is producing outcomes people can see and feel.

Investigations alone do not build trust. Arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and recovered public funds do.

When corruption scandals dominate headlines but end without clear accountability, frustration grows. People do not measure sincerity by speeches or press statements. They measure it by consequences. Who was jailed. Who returned stolen money. Who lost power and privilege.

Calling corruption probes “political noise” risks underestimating public anger. Filipinos are not distracted by noise. They are exhausted by repetition. Hearings, promises, and assurances have become familiar, while results remain scarce.

If ratings fall because the public doubts that justice reaches the powerful, then dismissing surveys misses the message. Trust declines when action feels selective or slow.

Being unbothered by numbers is acceptable only if action speaks louder. Anti-corruption campaigns are judged not by intent, but by courage to finish the job. Filipinos are watching less for confidence and more for proof.