President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trust rating continued to decline in the second quarter of 2026, while Vice President Sara Duterte maintained a stable public trust rating, according to a commissioned Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released by Stratbase Group ahead of the President’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The survey, conducted among 1,200 respondents, found that 34% of Filipinos expressed “much trust” in Marcos, one percentage point lower than his 35% rating in the first quarter. Meanwhile, 19% were undecided and 45% said they had little trust in the President.
The survey has a margin of error of ±3% for national estimates and ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao at the 95% confidence level.
The poll was conducted in June, when several major national issues dominated headlines, including the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada on graft and plunder charges, the leadership dispute in the Senate, the special session of Congress, a major earthquake in Mindanao, and the school shooting in Tacloban City.
Stratbase Group president Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said the findings suggest Filipinos are looking for concrete solutions rather than rhetoric as Marcos prepares to deliver his fifth SONA.
He said the President has an opportunity to address concerns over controversial flood-control projects and the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte by demonstrating that accountability applies to everyone and that public funds will be safeguarded.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte posted a 57% “much trust” rating, unchanged from the first quarter survey. Another 15% of respondents were undecided, while 27% said they had little trust in the Vice President.
Duterte is currently facing an impeachment trial before the Senate over allegations that include the misuse of confidential funds and threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The Vice President has denied the allegations, insisting they are politically motivated and intended to prevent her from seeking the presidency in the 2028 elections.
