Filipinos are losing confidence in the Marcos administration’s handling of major national issues, particularly corruption and inflation, according to the latest Ulat ng Bayan survey by Pulse Asia.
From June to September 2025, approval ratings dropped across nine key areas, with the sharpest declines recorded in disaster response (–17 percentage points), assistance for farmers (–14), and efforts to fight corruption (–11). Overall, 69% of Filipinos disapprove of how the administration is addressing corruption, while 64% are dissatisfied with its management of inflation.
Only one area—the protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)—received majority approval, at 58%. Pulse Asia noted that these shifts represent a “significant change” in public sentiment not only from the previous quarter but also compared to a year ago.
Disapproval ratings also rose in several other areas, including criminality (+8), disaster response (+10), and farmers’ aid (+7). Meanwhile, public indecision grew in sectors such as the environment, peace, and rule of law, suggesting increasing uncertainty about the administration’s direction.
Anger Mounts Over Corruption in Infrastructure Projects
A separate survey by Octa Research echoed this frustration, revealing that six in ten Filipinos (60%) feel “anger or outrage” when thinking about corruption in government infrastructure projects—particularly flood control initiatives.
The anger was most pronounced among younger Filipinos and higher-income groups, with 70% of Class ABC respondents expressing outrage. Almost all Filipinos (97%) believe corruption in government is widespread, while 90% think officials are involved in collusion in anomalous projects.
When asked who should lead investigations into the alleged flood control scandal, 46% of respondents favored the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), compared to only 23% for the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, reflecting a clear demand for more credible and impartial oversight.
Palace: “The President Is Not Alarmed”
Despite the dip in numbers, Malacañang maintained that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is “not alarmed” by the survey results.
In a media briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration remains focused on addressing the root causes of inflation and corruption, citing the President’s continued directives to strengthen law enforcement and social protection programs.
“The President continues to work hard to fight corruption and reduce poverty,” Castro said. She also pointed to government efforts in job creation, drug enforcement, and hunger reduction through agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
