MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s net trust rating dipped slightly while Vice President Sara Duterte‘s improved in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted December 12-18, 2025. The non-commissioned poll, released on December 27, 2025, shows Marcos with a +57 net trust rating (“good”), down from +60 in September 2025, while Duterte climbed to +56 (“good”) from +52.
Key Survey Findings
- Marcos Net Trust: +57 (64% trust, 13% distrust, 23% undecided)
- Classified as “good” (consistent since mid-2025).
- Decline driven by drops in Balance Luzon and Mindanao.
- Duterte Net Trust: +56 (66% trust, 10% distrust, 24% undecided)
- Up from +52, with gains across regions, especially Visayas and Mindanao.
The survey of 1,200 adults has a ±2.8% margin of error. SWS classifies +50 to +69 as “good,” highlighting stable but nuanced public sentiment amid ongoing political tensions between the two leaders.
Analysts link Marcos’ dip to governance issues (e.g., flood scandal probes, economic pressures) and Duterte’s rise to her outspoken stance and regional strongholds. Both remain in positive territory, reflecting polarized yet resilient approval.
This Christmas-season snapshot underscores shifting dynamics ahead of 2026 midterms and 2028 elections—trust remains a key barometer in Philippine politics.
Net Trust Ratings Snapshot (Dec 2025 vs. Sep 2025):
| Leader | Dec 2025 | Sep 2025 | Change | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferdinand Marcos Jr. | +57 | +60 | -3 | Good |
| Sara Duterte | +56 | +52 | +4 | Good |