By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed elation over the results of OCTA Research’s latest Tugon ng Masa survey, which showed the Filipinos’ continued trust and support for him.
In a media interview on the sidelines of the graduation rites of the Philippine National Police Academy “Sinaglawin” Class of 2025 in Silang, Cavite, Marcos said it is good to know that Filipinos appreciate his administration’s efforts to bring progress to the country.
“Well, it just validates what we are doing, that people are beginning to understand what we have been trying to do for the past two and a half, almost three years. So, it continues to inspire me because it shows that we’re making progress. That’s always good to know,” Marcos said.
Marcos said the results of the survey are indications that Filipinos are already feeling the real changes under his leadership.
“Minsan hindi mo na malaman kung nararamdaman ng tao ang iyong ginagawa. At mabuti naman at nakikita ng taong bayan kung ano ‘yung ginagawa natin at paano makakatulong ito sa pampaganda sa kanilang mga buhay (Sometimes you don’t know if people feel what you’re doing. And it’s good that people see what we’re doing and how it can help make their lives better),” he said.
The OCTA survey, conducted from April 2 to 5, showed that 60 percent of Filipinos trust Marcos, while 59 percent are satisfied with his performance.
Marcos’ trust and approval scores dropped by five percentage and four percentage points compared to the ratings registered in November 2024, but the decline is “not substantial,” according to the OCTA report.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stressed that despite political controversies and criticisms, Filipinos remained focused on the administration’s bigger achievements.
Castro added that the public continued to trust Marcos amid attempts to sow doubt on his administration.
“Nevertheless, positive or negative, it will not stop the President from working and fulfilling his goals for all Filipinos. He will never be distracted by the ratings, though they will all be considered for the betterment of the country,” she said in a statement.
Analysts noted that despite the ever-present political noise and challenges to the administration, most Filipinos still see President Marcos as a “steady and reliable leader.” (PNA)
