Angara, Gatchalian lead Cabinet trust ratings

Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian emerged as the most trusted and most satisfactory members of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet, according to the latest survey by Tangere.

The non-commissioned poll, conducted from January 7 to 10, 2026, showed Angara posting a 52.7% satisfaction rating and 54% trust rating. Gatchalian followed with 50.9% satisfaction and 49% trust, making them the only Cabinet officials to register majority scores in either category.

Tangere said the positive ratings were driven largely by respondents from socioeconomic classes D and E, consistent with trends observed in previous survey rounds.

Next in the rankings were Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. with 49.2% satisfaction and 47.6% trust; Migrant Workers Secretary Leo Cacdac with 46.3% satisfaction and 45.3% trust; and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III with 46.1% satisfaction and 44.9% trust.

Overall, the Cabinet posted a collective approval rating of 40%, while 32% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction. Trust in top officials stood at 33.2%, compared with a 42.8% distrust rating, indicating a widening gap in public confidence.

Tangere noted that departments focused on human capital development—such as education, social welfare, and labor—continue to outperform other sectors. Agencies handling infrastructure, energy, finance, justice, transportation, tourism, and the environment registered comparatively lower scores.

The polling firm said mid-range ratings suggest recognition of the importance of public services, alongside lingering criticism of implementation and execution.

The nationwide survey covered 1,600 respondents and had a margin of error of ±2.4%. Regional distribution included the National Capital Region at 12%, Northern Luzon at 23%, Southern Luzon at 22%, Visayas at 20%, and Mindanao at 23%.

Tangere is a Commission on Elections-registered, technology-driven polling firm affiliated with local and international research organizations, including Mores, Esomar, and the Philippine Association of National Advertisers.