MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang maintained that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains focused on improving lives, driving economic growth, and securing the country’s future, despite the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey showing decline in his approval and trust ratings.

“Governance scorecards should not be confined to pollings alone,” Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin said, underscoring that public service is not dictated by survey results.

The Palace’s remarks come amid growing public scrutiny of the administration’s performance as reflected in recent survey results. 

The survey, conducted from November 26 to December 3, coincided with several controversies involving the country’s two highest officials—President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte—including the filing of an impeachment complaint against Duterte.

Bersamin said that executive decisions are guided by public interest, not by the pursuit of popularity.

“High popularity ratings are the bonus, not the bedrock of effective public service,” he said.

While acknowledging the value of surveys as indicators of public sentiment, Bersamin argued that they should not be seen as the sole measure of a government’s performance.

In comparison, the June 2024 survey from the same polling firm showed Marcos with a 53 percent approval rating and a 52 percent trust rating.

“To consider surveys as the sole indicator is to divert our attention from more substantial metrics, like employment rates, which provide a clearer picture of our nation’s progress,” he added.

Bersamin also noted that true leadership often requires making decisions that may not always align with popular opinion.

“As demonstrated by the President’s actions, our focus remains on the critical mission of uplifting lives, growing the economy, and securing our country’s future,” Bersamin said.