MANILA – Seven in 10 Filipinos remain pessimistic about the country’s overall condition despite signs of improving household financial expectations, according to the latest PAHAYAG Second Quarter 2026 survey released by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. on Thursday.

The nationwide survey, conducted from June 28 to 30 among 1,509 registered Filipino voters, found that 72 percent of respondents remain pessimistic about the country’s current state, only slightly better than the 74 percent recorded in the previous quarter.

The survey also showed that 53 percent of respondents believe the country’s current situation is poor, up from 50 percent previously, while only 21 percent described it as good, down from 23 percent.

More than half, or 51 percent, said the country is heading in the wrong direction, compared to 26 percent who believe it is moving in the right direction.

Despite the generally negative outlook, respondents expressed greater optimism about their own households.

The survey found that 46 percent expect their family’s financial condition to improve in the next quarter, up from 34 percent in the first quarter, while those expecting their finances to worsen dropped to 22 percent from 36 percent.

At the national level, economic expectations also improved slightly, with 41 percent expecting the economy to deteriorate in the next three months, down from 56 percent, while optimism rose to 29 percent from 23 percent.

Corruption tops national concern

Corruption emerged as the top issue Filipinos want President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to prioritize, cited by 29 percent of respondents.

This was followed by concerns over the rising cost of living, particularly increasing prices, inadequate wages, unemployment, and difficulty finding jobs.

At the household level, respondents also identified corruption in local government offices and public agencies as among their primary concerns.

Wage relief, anti-dynasty bill gain support

Among policy issues, the survey found strong public support for suspending excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene, with 75 percent in favor.

The proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill also received broad backing from 74 percent of respondents.

Meanwhile, 70 percent supported imposing penalties on Rep. Bong Suntay over his controversial remarks against actress Anne Curtis.

Public opinion was divided on several Senate-related issues, including the May 26 Senate walkout, proposals allowing remote attendance during sessions, and the replacement of Senate President Tito Sotto III with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, each receiving about 42 percent support.

Marcos, Duterte ratings unchanged

President Marcos’ approval rating remained statistically unchanged at 18 percent from 19 percent in the previous quarter, while his trust rating stood at 12 percent from 13 percent.

Vice President Sara Duterte likewise posted stable ratings, with 28 percent approval and 26 percent trust.

The survey said respondents associated positive sentiment toward Marcos with his administration’s response to Middle East tensions, hosting of the ASEAN Summit, and opposition to remote voting in the Senate.

Negative perceptions, meanwhile, were linked to the absence of high-ranking officials jailed since the 2025 State of the Nation Address, proposed Charter change measures, and declining foreign direct investments.

For Duterte, positive perceptions were associated with the start of her impeachment trial and her claims questioning the validity of the Articles of Impeachment, while negative sentiment stemmed from alleged Anti-Money Laundering Council findings and her absence from congressional hearings.

Opposition senators lead favorability

Among elected officials, opposition senators posted the highest favorable ratings.

Sen. Bam Aquino led with a 57-percent net favorable rating, followed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros at 47 percent and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan at 46 percent.

On the opposite end, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada registered the highest unfavorable rating at 58 percent, followed by Sen. Ronald dela Rosa at 56 percent.

Digital platforms dominate news consumption

The survey also found that Filipinos continue to rely heavily on digital platforms for information.

Internet browsing ranked first at 68 percent, followed by Facebook at 54 percent and television at 50 percent.

Among television news organizations, GMA Network emerged as the most trusted at 41 percent, followed by TV5/Interaksyon at 26 percent and NET 25 at 18 percent.

For print media, the Philippine Daily Inquirer led with 32 percent, followed by Manila Bulletin at 30 percent and The Philippine Star at 29 percent.

Online, ABS-CBN ranked first with 38 percent, followed by NewsWatch Plus at 24 percent and Rappler at 20 percent.

Respondents said the most important factors in trusting a news organization are factual and evidence-based reporting, editorial independence, and in-depth analysis with proper context.

The PAHAYAG Second Quarter 2026 survey was conducted from June 28 to 30 using purposive sampling of 1,509 respondents drawn from the market research panel of registered Filipino voters maintained by Singapore-based PureSpectrum. It has a ±2.5 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.