President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s sharp decline in public trust and approval, set against Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s steadier numbers, underscores the shifting balance of power between two of the most influential political dynasties in the Philippines.
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While both leaders remain broadly popular, analysts say the latest figures suggest Duterte-Carpio’s camp may be regaining momentum as Marcos grapples with scandals, governance missteps and waning confidence in his leadership – deepening a political rupture that has turned the former allies into open rivals.
The latest nationwide OCTA Research survey, conducted from September 30 to October 4 and released on Wednesday, paints a more detailed picture of that shift.
It found Marcos’ trust rating had fallen to 57 per cent in the third quarter, down seven points from July, while his performance rating dropped eight points to 54 per cent.
“Even with the observed declines, President Marcos Jnr continues to enjoy majority trust and approval among Filipinos, maintaining both ratings above the 50 per cent mark,” OCTA wrote in its report.
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His support, however, has weakened in Mindanao – the southern stronghold of the Duterte family – where his trust rating fell to just 43 per cent from 40 per cent in July.