MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. saw an increase in both trust and performance ratings in the latest Tugon ng Masa survey of OCTA Research, conducted amid what the think tank described as a period of domestic and global challenges.

Released on April 20, the survey showed Marcos’ trust rating rising to 54 percent in the first quarter of 2026 from 48 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025. His performance rating also increased to 55 percent from 51 percent in the previous quarter.

The nationwide survey was conducted from March 19 to 25 through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above.

“Malinaw ang sinasabi ng numero: Habang maingay ang pulitika at magulo ang mundo, mas dumarami ang Pilipinong nagsasabing may direksyon ang Pangulo,” said Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun of Zambales in a statement.

“Hindi ito sympathy vote. Hindi ito palakpakan lang. Ito ay pagtaas ng tiwala at pagtaas ng performance rating sa panahon na mahirap manalo sa isip ng publiko,” he added.

OCTA said the latest results indicate a “rebound” in both trust and performance, along with declining ambivalence, suggesting stronger public alignment with the President’s leadership.

The survey had a margin of error of ±3 percent nationally, and ±6 percent for regional breakdowns covering NCR, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

It also noted that the survey period coincided with geopolitical and economic uncertainties, as well as domestic political developments, including the impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte.

Regional and class breakdowns

OCTA reported Marcos’ trust ratings at 51 percent in NCR, 59 percent in Balance Luzon, 54 percent in the Visayas, and 45 percent in Mindanao.

Compared to the previous quarter, trust increased by 9 points in NCR and Mindanao, 5 points in Balance Luzon, and 4 points in the Visayas.

Performance ratings also rose across most regions, with Marcos posting 53 percent in NCR, 57 percent in Balance Luzon, 56 percent in the Visayas, and 51 percent in Mindanao.

Quarter-on-quarter gains included a 10-point increase in NCR, 5 points in the Visayas, and 9 points in Mindanao, while Balance Luzon posted a slight 1-point dip but remained at majority levels.

Across socioeconomic classes, Marcos recorded 52 percent trust among Class ABC, 55 percent among Class D, and 49 percent among Class E. Performance ratings stood at 56 percent across Classes ABC and D, and 48 percent in Class E.

OCTA said trust gains ranged from 6 to 7 points across classes, while performance rose by 9 points in Class ABC and 4 points in Class D.

The report also showed 30 percent distrust, while undecided responses on trust dropped to 16 percent. On performance, 26 percent expressed dissatisfaction, while 19 percent remained undecided.

Deputy Speaker Khonghun said the figures show broader-based support rather than narrow backing.

“Kapag may pag-angat sa NCR, may majority sa Balance Luzon at Visayas, at may malinaw na recovery kahit sa Mindanao, ang tawag diyan hindi spin. Ang tawag diyan momentum,” he said.

He added that the results should be viewed as both affirmation and a challenge for the administration to sustain performance.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said Marcos continues to enjoy public trust despite criticism and “black propaganda,” adding that Filipinos are recognizing “steady leadership.”

He also expressed optimism that the President’s ratings may improve further in the next survey, citing ongoing government programs addressing fuel prices and economic pressures.