Corruption issues hound Marcos, Duterte in Pulse Asia poll
A recent Pulse Asia survey reveals that corruption is the main driver of public trust or distrust for President Marcos. Conversely, Vice President Sara Duterte maintains public trust largely due to perceptions of her governance abilities, despite alleged corruption links.
A Pulse Asia survey conducted in November 2024 revealed significant insights into public perceptions of corruption affecting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. The survey, released on December 21, 2024, showed that corruption was the primary driver of public trust or distrust for both officials. For President Marcos, his alleged failure to fight corruption ranked as the top reason for distrust among respondents at 16.7%, while his anti-corruption efforts were the leading reason for trust at 28.6% overall, with even higher support in Metro Manila at 37.1%. The survey indicated that 48% of Filipinos expressed little trust in Marcos to resolve corruption issues, citing slow progress in addressing the problem.
Vice President Sara Duterte maintained higher public trust ratings despite facing two impeachment complaints filed in early December 2024 that cited graft, corruption, bribery, and misuse of confidential funds from her Office of the Vice-President and Department of Education. Her governance abilities were cited as a key reason for public trust, even amid these corruption allegations. The impeachment complaints, which included charges of culpable violation of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, graft and corruption, and other offenses, added to the political scrutiny surrounding her office.
By December 2025, both leaders' trust ratings had declined further amid ongoing corruption concerns. Marcos' trust rating dropped to 32% (from 34% in September 2025), while Duterte's fell to 54% (from 56%). Performance ratings showed minor gains, with Marcos at 34% and Duterte at 56%, but fighting corruption remained the second-highest public concern behind inflation control. A separate December 2025 survey revealed that 94% of Filipino adults viewed corruption as widespread in government, with 74% believing it had increased over the previous 12 months.
The regional breakdown showed Marcos polled highest in Luzon for trust and performance, while Duterte led in Visayas and Mindanao. Public priorities consistently included controlling inflation, fighting graft, raising wages, reducing poverty, and creating jobs. The administration earned majority approval only on overseas Filipino worker welfare, indicating broader dissatisfaction with government performance on domestic issues. The persistent corruption perceptions continued to drag down ratings for both officials, with Duterte maintaining higher scores despite impeachment issues, while Marcos faced more direct criticism for perceived inaction on corruption.
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