Duterte era over — Ortega
FILIPINOS are making a clear choice, rallying behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s leadership while rejecting former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s deep ties with China and his continued pro-Beijing stance even after his six-year rule.
This is according to House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V, citing latest OCTA Research survey which showed that more Filipinos support the Marcos administration than the Dutertes and their political alliance.
Ortega said the survey results confirm that the political battle is no longer just about personalities—it’s about Team Pilipinas versus Team China.
“This survey confirms that Filipinos are firmly standing with Team Pilipinas, rejecting leaders who have compromised the nation for China—whether by surrendering our rights in the West Philippine Sea or enabling the unchecked rise of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) controlled by Chinese interests,” Ortega said.
The Tugon ng Masa survey, conducted by OCTA from January 25 to 31, found that 36 percent of Filipinos support Marcos, while only 18 percent back Duterte. Meanwhile, 26 percent support neither, and 8 percent align with the opposition.
Under Duterte, the Philippines weakened its stance on the West Philippine Sea, allowing China to expand its military presence while downplaying the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, Ortega said.
But Ortega noticed that Duterte’s ties to China went beyond territorial disputes—his administration also oversaw the unchecked rise of POGOs, many of which have been linked to illegal activities, money laundering, and organized crime involving Chinese nationals.
“Duterte’s loyalty to China wasn’t just about the West Philippine Sea—it extended to POGOs, which became hubs for crime, human trafficking, and corruption. The damage his administration caused is still being cleaned up today,” Ortega said.
Ortega said Filipinos are rallying behind Marcos because of his stronger stance on sovereignty and his crackdown on illegal POGO operations that flourished under Duterte’s watch.
“President Bongbong Marcos is standing up for the country. He is defending our waters, going after illegal POGOs, and cutting off China’s backdoor influence. That is why Filipinos are with Team Pilipinas, not Team China,” Ortega said.
With nearly two-thirds of respondents rejecting Duterte, Ortega said the survey confirms what many already knew—Filipinos want leaders who fight for the country, not those who serve foreign interests.
“The people have spoken. The Duterte era is over. Team Pilipinas is moving forward,” he added.
