In a significant political update, the latest WR Numero Philippine Public Opinion Monitor reveals shifting public sentiments toward the nation's top leaders. Conducted in March 2026, this comprehensive survey captures Filipino opinions against a backdrop of high-stakes events, including Vice President Sara Duterte's announced presidential bid for 2028, ongoing impeachment proceedings against her in the House, and the pre-trial hearing of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court.
Overall Performance Ratings
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has seen a notable uptick in his approval numbers. The survey indicates that 29% of Filipinos are satisfied with his performance as of March 2026, marking an 8-percentage point increase from his November 2025 rating of 21%. However, his dissatisfaction rating remains unchanged at 47%, highlighting a polarized electorate. The rise in approval is largely attributed to a decline in undecided respondents, which fell from 32% to 24% over the same period.
On the other hand, Vice President Sara Duterte's ratings show remarkable stability. Approximately 44% of Filipinos approve of her performance, a slight increase of 0.6 percentage points, while dissatisfaction stands at 25%, up by 2 percentage points. Over one-third of respondents, or 31%, remain ambivalent in their assessment of the vice president, suggesting a complex public perception.
Regional Breakdown: Lingayen-Lucena Corridor
The survey delves into regional disparities, particularly focusing on the Lingayen-Lucena Corridor (LLC), which includes Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and Pangasinan. Within this corridor, opinions on President Marcos Jr. are divided: 38% express satisfaction, 36% dissatisfaction, and 25% are undecided.
In contrast, outside the LLC, a majority of 51% hold an unfavorable view of Marcos Jr., with only 25% satisfied and 24% unsure. Vice President Duterte fares better in non-LLC areas, where 46% are satisfied, 23% dissatisfied, and 31% undecided. Among LLC voters, 38% view Duterte positively, 29% negatively, and 33% are uncertain.
Generational Perspectives
Generational divides further illuminate the approval trends. President Marcos Jr. faces the lowest approval among Gen Z voters, with 59% dissatisfied, 14% satisfied, and 27% undecided. Millennials also show majority disapproval at 52%, with 28% content and 21% undecided.
Conversely, older generations are more supportive. Gen X and Baby Boomers view Marcos Jr. favorably at 42% and 50% approval, respectively, with dissatisfaction at 33% and 27%. Notably, 26% of Gen X and 23% of Baby Boomers remain undecided.
Vice President Duterte enjoys stronger approval from younger demographics. Nearly half of Gen Z (49%) and Millennials (46%) approve of her, with dissatisfaction at 18% and 22%, respectively, and undecided rates of 33% and 32%. Among Gen X, 39% are pleased, 30% dissatisfied, and 31% unsure. However, Baby Boomers show more dissatisfaction with Duterte at 45%, compared to 29% satisfied, and 26% undecided.
Survey Methodology and Broader Context
The March 2026 nationwide survey was conducted from March 10 to 17 through face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,455 Filipinos. It carries a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level nationally, with subnational margins of ±7% for the National Capital Region, ±4% for the rest of Luzon, ±6% for the Visayas, and ±6% for Mindanao.
Beyond approval ratings, the WR Numero survey also explores voter preferences for the 2028 elections, public opinion on the Anti-Dynasty Bill, impeachment proceedings against VP Duterte, and the detention and trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte at The Hague. These findings underscore the dynamic political landscape as Filipinos navigate critical issues ahead of future electoral cycles.
