6 of 10 Pinoys approve of Marcos gov’t — SWS

The Marcos administration has maintained a “good” satisfaction rating in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, with 59 percent of adult Filipinos expressing approval of its overall performance.

The nationwide poll, conducted from 12 to 18 December 2024, found 23 percent of respondents were dissatisfied, while 17 percent were neutral, resulting in a net satisfaction score of +36.

Compared to the September 2024 survey, the net satisfaction rating remained unchanged, though it marked a four-point decline from the +40 rating recorded in June 2024.

The numbers reflected a steadying of public sentiment following significant fluctuations earlier in the administration, including a drop from the “very good” rating of +52 in December 2023 to a “moderate” +29 in March 2024, before stabilizing in subsequent quarters.

The survey results showed that the administration received “very good” ratings in key governance areas, including disaster relief efforts (+65), improving the quality of children’s education (+60), assisting the poor (+57), implementing job-creation policies (+51) and advancing science and technology (+51).

Other areas where the government performed well included implementing housing programs for the poor (+49), ensuring food security (+46), maintaining an efficient public transportation system (+45), preparing for typhoons (+44), addressing climate change (+38), and defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (+32).

Despite the positive ratings, satisfaction was lower in other areas, particularly in ensuring that no family goes hungry, which received a “moderate” rating of +26.

Transparency in governance was rated “good” at +34, while performance in fighting inflation was given a “poor” rating of -12, reflecting ongoing concerns over rising consumer prices. The administration also received “neutral” ratings in tackling crimes against citizens (+4), regulating oil prices (-2) and eradicating corruption (-3).

Demographic shifts

Regionally, the survey found that satisfaction with the administration was highest in Balance Luzon and the Visayas, both at +44, followed by Metro Manila at +31 and Mindanao at +16.

Satisfaction in the Visayas rose significantly by 13 points, while Mindanao saw a decline of seven points. In Balance Luzon and Metro Manila, satisfaction remained steady.

In rural areas, satisfaction dipped slightly from +42 to +39, while urban areas experienced a marginal increase from +31 to +33.

Demographic trends also revealed some shifts. Satisfaction among women slightly improved from +33 to +36, while it decreased among men, dropping from +39 to +35.

Across age groups, ratings remained generally stable, with the most notable shift occurring among 45- to 54-year-olds, whose satisfaction rating fell from +36 to +28.

Satisfaction among elementary graduates increased to +40, while it remained steady among junior high school, senior high school, and college graduates. However, it declined among non-elementary graduates, dropping from +48 to +37, though still classified as “good.”

The survey also examined satisfaction ratings for other key government institutions.

The Senate received a “good” net satisfaction rating of +44, with 62 percent of respondents expressing approval and 18 percent dissatisfied, representing a slight drop from its previous rating of +49 in September 2024.

The House of Representatives experienced a similar decline, with its rating falling from +42 to +36. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court maintained a “good” rating of +40, with 58 percent satisfied and 18 percent dissatisfied, reflecting minimal change from its previous score of +42.

The findings highlighted the Marcos administration’s sustained public support, particularly in social welfare and disaster response.

However, concerns persist over economic challenges, inflation, and governance transparency. While the government has retained its “good” satisfaction rating, addressing economic stability and public trust in governance will be crucial in shaping public perception in the coming months.

The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 2,160 adults nationwide, with a margin of error of ±2 percent for national percentages and ±3 to ±5 percent for regional estimates.