IN its ongoing efforts to gauge public sentiment, the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) has published the results of its latest “Boses ng Bayan” nationwide public satisfaction survey. According to the findings, principal government officials in the Philippines are enjoying sustained high approval ratings from the public. In addition, the survey has recognized the distinguished performance of cabinet officials within the incumbent Marcos administration, noting their significant achievements during the recent polling cycle.

In the latest assessment of the Philippines’ executive leadership, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s performance score has witnessed a modest decline, coming in at 77%, a five-percentage-point drop from the 82% achieved in the second quarter. Concurrently, Vice President Sara Duterte has seen a more pronounced decrease in her performance rating, which now stands at 76%, falling ten percentage points from the former 86%. Trust ratings have also undergone adjustments; President Marcos’s trust rating has slightly decreased by four percentage points to 82% from an earlier mark of 86%, while Vice President Duterte’s trust rating is currently at 83%, down seven percentage points from her previous high of 90%.

The latest evaluations of the Philippine legislative leadership signal a positive trajectory in public approval and trust. Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri has seen his approval rating ascend to 72%, a three-percentage-point rise from the previous 69%. Additionally, House Speaker Martin Romualdez achieved a 75% satisfaction rating, climbing five percentage points above the 70% documented earlier. Furthermore, Senate President Zubiri’s trust rating has advanced to 74%, up by three percentage points from 71%, while House Speaker Romualdez’s trust rating has also improved, reaching 76%, reflecting a four-percentage-point increase from the former 72%.

Dr. Paul Martinez, a Global Affairs Analyst and Executive Director of RPMD has characterized President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s 77% performance rating as a robust endorsement from the Filipino electorate. This figure suggests that the President’s initiatives and leadership are well-received by a significant majority. Vice President Sara Duterte’s 76% rating similarly reflects a strong validation of her office, indicating that a notable portion of the population approves of her actions and leadership style. “These figures are indicative of the trust and confidence vested in the current administration by the citizens,” Dr. Martinez noted, emphasizing the importance of monitoring these ratings for any potential fluctuations that may indicate changing public opinion.

Dr. Paul Martinez also disclosed that the approval rating for the House of Representatives stands at a solid 70%, with the trust rating slightly higher at 73%. In comparison, the Senate of the Philippines has secured an approval rating of 72%, accompanied by an even stronger trust rating of 75%. These statistics indicate a strong level of public confidence and trust in the legislative branches of the Philippines.

RPMD has recognized the positive developments in the performance and trust ratings of the Philippine Congressional leaders. The improvements noted for Senate President Zubiri and House Speaker Romualdez have garnered considerable attention, signifying a rising tide of public support for their leadership. Dr. Martinez remarked that these enhanced metrics not only reflect the growing confidence in their capabilities but also indicate that their legislative policies and efforts are well-received by the public. He underscored the significant impact that such positive ratings have on governance and policymaking, influencing legislative efficiency and the broader socio-economic context. Dr. Martinez also pointed out the importance of sustaining this momentum, which is vital for addressing complex national concerns and reinforcing the Filipino populace’s confidence in their legislative institutions.

Within the Marcos administration’s cadre of officials, Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) leads with a stellar 90% approval and a 94% trust rating, exemplifying the pinnacle of cabinet performance. He is closely followed by Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco of the Department of Tourism, who are virtually tied for second place with respective approval ratings of 84% and 83% and trust ratings of 88% and 86%.

Holding the third rank with robust public support, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman have garnered approval ratings of 81% and 80%, and trust ratings of 84% and 82%, respectively. The fourth echelon is shared by Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual and DICT Secretary Ivan John Enrile Uy, with approval ratings of 78% and 77%, and trust ratings of 80% and 83%. Completing the fifth stratum, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan have achieved respective approval and trust ratings of 75% and 78%, and 74% and 79%, indicating a substantial endorsement from the public.

The current administration’s cabinet members are enjoying a strong wave of public support, as seen in their recent approval and trust ratings. Notably, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno stand out with an impressive 72% approval rating. They also boast high trust scores, with Bersamin at 77% and Diokno closely behind at 76%. Their colleagues, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, and DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma are also riding high on public sentiment, each garnering approval ratings in the 70% vicinity. This level of support suggests that a substantial portion of the public backs their service and policies.

The streak of favorable opinions isn’t limited to just a few top officials; it extends throughout a wider circle within the cabinet. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., and Press Secretary Cheloy Garafil all enjoy commendable ratings, underlining the trust and satisfaction the populace holds in their performance. Other cabinet secretaries like Jerry Acuzar, Arsenio Balisacan, Toni Yulo Loyzaga, and Raphael Lotilla also share in this positive light. Collectively, these ratings paint a general picture of approval and endorse the direction and governance that the administration is currently taking.

The sentiment among the Filipino populace towards the cabinet officials of the Marcos administration is predominantly positive, reflecting an overarching approval of their leadership and policy direction. This widespread public contentment is underscored by the findings presented by Dr. Martinez. The favorable perspective held by the majority is not merely based on superficial approval ratings; it stems from a deeper recognition of the cabinet’s tangible efforts and successful initiatives that resonate with the citizens’ aspirations and needs.

Dr. Martinez elaborates that this commendable level of satisfaction is likely rooted in several key factors. First, the cabinet’s ability to respond to the socio-economic challenges with agility and well-crafted policies has garnered respect. Second, their transparent and consistent communication with the public has been pivotal in fostering trust. Furthermore, the collaborative efforts among the various departments and their push for innovative solutions to contemporary problems have been met with a sense of optimism for the country’s future. The professional conduct of the cabinet members, coupled with their evident dedication to service, continues to reinforce the confidence the Filipino people have in the direction the administration is steering the nation.

The “Boses ng Bayan” survey, conducted by RPMD from September 20-30, 2023, sampled 10,000 individuals from the Philippines’ 65.75 million registered voters. This survey was carried out with a margin of error of +/-1% and a confidence level of 95%.