SWS: Marcos’ trust rating slightly up; Duterte still high

MANILA, Philippines — The trust rating of President Marcos slightly increased in September, based on the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group.

The survey, which polled 1,500 respondents from Sept. 21 to Sept. 27, found that 36 percent of Filipinos had “much trust” in Marcos, up from 34 percent in June. It had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.

Meanwhile, 40 percent said they had “little trust,” down from 45 percent in June, while 22 percent were undecided, up from 19 percent also in June.

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But the President’s trust rating was still a far cry from his 64-percent trust rating in July 2024, two years into his term.

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Support for Marcos was highest in Luzon outside of Metro Manila, with 40 percent saying they had “much trust” in him, down from 43 percent in June. This was followed by Mindanao at 35 percent (up from 17 percent), the Visayas at 33 percent (unchanged from June) and Metro Manila at 31 percent (down from 33 percent).

READ: Marcos’ net satisfaction rate dips to ‘poor’ in Q3 2026 — SWS

Respondents who had “little trust” in the President were highest in the Visayas and Mindanao, both at 44 percent (up from 40 percent and down from 58 percent, respectively), followed by Metro Manila at 43 percent (down from 50 percent) and Luzon outside Metro Manila at 35 percent (down from 38 percent).

Highest in Mindanao

For her part, Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing an impeachment trial, continued to post a high trust rating.

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Fifty-six percent said they had “much trust” in her, slightly down from 57 percent in June. Meanwhile, 26 percent said they had “little trust” in her, slightly down from 27 percent and 17 percent were undecided, up from 15 percent.

Trust in the Vice President—who is from Davao City —was highest in Mindanao, where 87 percent said they had “much trust” in her (unchanged from June). This was followed by the Visayas at 60 percent (up from 54 percent), Metro Manila at 46 percent (unchanged from June) and Luzon outside Metro Manila at 41 percent (down from 45 percent).

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Those who had “little trust” in Duterte were highest in Luzon outside Metro Manila at 35 percent (slightly down from 36 percent), followed by Metro Manila at 33 percent (down from 36 percent), the Visayas at 24 percent (down from 28 percent) and Mindanao at 4 percent (slightly down from 6 percent). /cb