MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has cast doubt on the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), which showed Vice President Sara Duterte receiving a higher satisfaction rating than President Bongbong Marcos.

According to the Fourth Quarter 2025 SWS survey, 54 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with the Vice President’s performance, compared to 40 percent for President Marcos Jr. The results quickly drew attention, fueling political discussions and public debate.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro questioned the methodology and implications of the findings, saying the administration finds it puzzling how such ratings were achieved. She emphasized that President Marcos has been actively working and fulfilling his duties, while noting that the Vice President has reportedly spent considerable time abroad. Castro cautioned that survey ratings should not become instruments that distort the public’s understanding of who is genuinely delivering public service.

Her remarks reflect a deeper tension between measurable governance output and public perception. Surveys like those conducted by SWS are designed to capture sentiment at a particular moment, but sentiment is influenced by visibility, messaging, media coverage, and political narratives. A leader’s performance on paper—projects completed, policies implemented, diplomatic engagements conducted—does not always translate directly into public approval. Conversely, public trust can remain strong even amid controversy or limited visibility.

This situation underscores a recurring reality in democratic societies: leadership is judged not only by action but by perception. Communication strategy, relatability, and political positioning often shape how the public evaluates officials. The broader question now goes beyond a single survey. Are satisfaction ratings a reliable barometer of effective governance, or do they simply measure how well political narratives resonate with the public? (Larawan mula: RTVM / Facebook)