MANILA, Philippines — The latest nationwide survey from Pulse Asia reveals a notable uptick in the approval and trust ratings of the country’s top two leaders. According to the March 2026 report, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. saw a significant recovery in his performance marks, while Vice President Sara Duterte also experienced a rise in public approval, signaling a shift in the domestic political sentiment.
The survey, conducted across various demographics and regions, indicates that the administration’s recent focus on infrastructure milestones and localized agricultural interventions may be resonating with the public. Despite persistent concerns over the cost of living and global fuel volatility, the President’s approval rating climbed by several percentage points compared to the previous quarter.
“The improvement in the President’s numbers suggests that a segment of the population is acknowledging the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy amidst external shocks,” a political analyst noted. “However, the data also shows that inflation remains the top-of-mind concern for most Filipinos, which will be the primary challenge for the administration to maintain this momentum.”
Vice President Sara Duterte also saw a resurgence in her ratings, particularly in Mindanao and Central Philippines. Her rise is attributed to the continued visibility of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) social service programs and her consistent presence in regional grassroots initiatives.
Key takeaways from the Pulse Asia March 2026 Survey include:
- Regional Strongholds: President Marcos maintains strong support in Northern Luzon, while Vice President Duterte continues to hold a dominant approval rating in Mindanao.
- Economic Sentiment: While leadership ratings improved, “controlling inflation” and “increasing workers’ pay” remain the most urgent national concerns cited by respondents.
- Trust Continuity: Both leaders maintained high trust ratings, suggesting that the “UniTeam” brand still carries weight with a significant portion of the electorate despite earlier political friction.
Malacañang welcomed the results, stating that the improved ratings would serve as further motivation to accelerate the “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) programs. The OVP also expressed gratitude for the public’s continued trust, emphasizing a commitment to expanding educational and livelihood projects.
As the political landscape begins to shift toward the midterm election cycle, observers say these ratings will be crucial in determining the influence of the current administration in local races and the passage of priority legislative measures in Congress.