Marcos’ trust gap widens ahead of SONA 2026; VP Sara remains highly trusted

With just days before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed that public trust in him fell to a record-low 34%, while Vice President Sara Duterte maintained a significantly higher trust rating of 57% facing an impeachment trial.

According to the June 20–29 survey, 19% of respondents were unsure and 45% said that they had “little trust” in Marcos.

Based on SWS standards, the President was given a “poor” net trust rating for the first time, with a net trust rating of -11. His trust rating continued its downward trend from the 64% recorded in July 2024 and dropped by one percentage point from 35% in March.

Unchanged from the previous quarter, 57% of respondents said they had “much trust” in Duterte. With 15% unsure and 27% expressing little trust, the net trust rating was +30, which SWS rates as “good.”

The nationwide survey interviewed 1,200 respondents and carried a margin of error of ±3 percentage points for national estimates and ±6 percentage points for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, at the 95% confidence level.

The survey was conducted as several national issues dominated headlines, including controversies surrounding flood control projects, the impeachment proceedings against Duterte, the Senate leadership dispute, the major earthquake in Mindanao, and the school shooting in Tacloban City.

Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said the findings reflected public expectations ahead of the President’s annual address before Congress.

“Filipinos will be looking not for rhetoric but for a clear plan to address the issues that affect their daily lives,” Manhit said.

The survey results were released more than a week before Marcos is scheduled to deliver his fifth SONA on July 27. Malacañang earlier said the President was finalizing his speech but did not disclose its specific themes.

Meanwhile, Duterte continues to face an impeachment trial before the Senate over allegations involving the use of confidential funds and alleged threats against President Marcos and members of his family. She has denied the accusations, maintaining that the case is politically motivated and intended to prevent her from seeking the presidency in 2028.