Survey: Filipinos trust media on flood control scandal amid doubts over justice system

A majority of Filipinos continue to look to the media for accountability amid the unresolved flood control project scandal that rocked 2025, even as confidence in formal investigations and the justice system shows signs of strain, according to a recent survey by Pulse Asia.

The survey found that most Filipino adults trust the media to address corruption in flood control projects as the controversy widens and political fallout continues.

Public confidence in official probes, however, appears mixed. About 36 percent of respondents said investigations into anomalous flood control projects, including those conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, sometimes reveal the truth but have limited impact.

This view strengthened toward the end of the year, rising by eight percentage points from September to December 2025.

Despite growing skepticism, a majority of respondents remain hopeful that accountability will be achieved. Pulse Asia said 59 percent believe government officials involved in the flood control scandal will eventually be punished. This figure, however, declined from 71 percent recorded in September 2025, suggesting waning confidence as the issue drags on.

Opinions on the justice system were similarly divided. While 44 percent expressed confidence in its ability to successfully prosecute high-level corruption cases, a slight majority of 51 percent said the use of influence by government officials to evade conviction is the biggest factor likely to affect court decisions in corruption cases.

The survey was conducted amid several high-profile political and legal developments, including the Sandiganbayan’s declaration of former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co and three others as fugitives from justice, the resignation of key Cabinet officials, and the filing of plunder, graft, and bribery complaints against lawmakers and senior officials before the Office of the Ombudsman.

Public sentiment was also shaped by mass protests and rallies demanding transparency and accountability, as well as both livestreamed and closed-door hearings by investigative bodies probing the alleged misuse of flood control funds.

Pulse Asia said the nationwide Ulat ng Bayan survey was conducted from 12 to 15 December through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults aged 18 and above. The poll carries a ±2.8 percent margin of error at the 95 percent confidence level.

The research firm said the findings reflect a public that continues to rely on the media to expose corruption, even as trust in institutions tasked with delivering justice remains under pressure.