The Manila Times
PUBLIC sentiment about the Marcos administration has sharply deteriorated, with three in four voters expressing pessimism about the country’s condition, governance direction, and near-term economic prospects, according to the latest Pahayag survey. The study shows that 74 percent of respondents are pessimistic, a significant increase from 58 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025. In contrast, optimism has dropped to 26 percent, down from 42 percent in the previous quarter. The worsening outlook is reflected in voters’ emotional state. Around 33 percent report feeling anxious, compared to 19 percent who say they feel optimistic. Half of respondents view the country’s current condition as weak, while 23 percent consider it strong. Meanwhile, 48 percent believe the Philippines is moving in the wrong direction, and 28 percent see positive progress — a decline from earlier readings. The findings suggest persistent dissatisfaction with governance and a perceived lack of forward momentum at the national level, the survey pointed out. Expectations for the economy have deteriorated markedly: 56 percent anticipate national economic conditions will worsen in the next quarter (up from 38 percent). Only 23 percent expect improvement. At the household level, financial anxiety is also increasing: 36 percent expect their personal finances to worsen (more than double last year’s 17 percent), while 34 percent foresee improvement, down from 55 percent. Analysts note that concerns over inflation, cost of living, and job stability are likely contributing to the decline in economic confidence. Public dissatisfaction extends to the executive branch. Half of the respondents disapprove of the Cabinet’s performance under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Regional breakdowns show widespread disapproval. – National Capital Region (NCR): 49 percent disapproval (up from 46 percent) – South Luzon: 52 percent (up from 45 percent) – Visayas: 52 percent (unchanged from 54 percent) – Mindanao: 57 percent (down from 64 percent but still highest) – North-Central Luzon: 43 percent (slightly up from 48 percent) The survey also highlights a shifting political landscape: – 46 percent oppose the Marcos administration – 16 percent express support – 38 percent remain neutral. In terms of broader political alignment: – 25 percent identify as pro-opposition – 31 percent are anti-opposition – 44 percent remain neutral. Notably, 47 percent are neutral toward both the administration and opposition, forming a sizable non-partisan bloc. This group appears increasingly driven by issue-based concerns such as corruption and the rising cost of living rather than traditional political loyalties, survey analysts said. The Pahayag survey was conducted from March 21 to 24, sampling 1,509 registered Filipino voters selected from the PureSpectrum panel, a US-based global market research platform with regional operations in Singapore. Pahayag is the corporate social responsibility initiative of Publicus Asia Inc., which has tracked public opinion metrics since 2017.
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