A newly released PAHAYAG 2025 First Quarter survey has shaken up the public perception of the country’s top government officials. Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio continues to dominate the rankings, particularly in bravery, love for the Philippines, and concern for Filipinos. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has seen a decline across all personality traits, reflecting a potential shift in how Filipinos view their leaders.
Duterte Ranks as the Bravest Leader
Based on the survey conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. from March 15 to 20, 2025, Sara Duterte secured the highest ratings among top officials. Her bravery stood out with a commanding 56% rating, significantly ahead of her peers. Additionally, she ranked high in love for the Philippines (37%), concern for Filipinos (36%), and sincerity (35%)—qualities that continue to cement her appeal among her supporters.
Aside from being perceived as courageous, she is also considered approachable, selfless, and humble, scoring above the 25% threshold in multiple categories. This strong public perception aligns with her tough and authoritative political persona, which has been a defining trait since her days as Davao City mayor.
An insider close to the vice president shared that Duterte is aware of her high ratings but remains focused on delivering results. She believes public trust is earned through action, not just words.
Marcos Faces Declining Public Perception
In stark contrast, President Bongbong Marcos has experienced a noticeable drop in all personality traits compared to previous surveys. His highest rating, 18% for eloquence, is significantly lower than Duterte’s top trait.
Marcos’ other key attributes—upholding the law (17%), decisiveness (16%), and concern for Filipinos (16%)—also saw a decline. Even traits that previously defined his leadership, such as being responsible, fair-minded, and pro-poor, scored 10% or lower.
Political analysts believe this shift in perception could be linked to recent controversies surrounding governance issues, economic challenges, and policy decisions. One political observer noted that Marcos’ struggle to connect with ordinary Filipinos could be hurting his ratings.
Chiz Escudero Emerges as the Most Eloquent Leader
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero also made a strong impression in the survey, particularly in eloquence. Scoring 29% in this category, Escudero stood out as the most articulate official among the top five.
He also ranked well in upholding the law (21%), fulfilling sworn duties (19%), and fairness (17%). His ability to clearly express policies and legislative priorities has earned him a reputation as a persuasive and well-spoken leader.
Political experts suggest that Escudero’s eloquence is his strongest asset, allowing him to effectively communicate complex issues to the public. This skill is particularly crucial in the Senate, where debates and legislative negotiations play a vital role.
Other Government Officials in the Rankings
Aside from Duterte, Marcos, and Escudero, the PAHAYAG 2025 survey also assessed House Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.
- Romualdez ranked highest in eloquence (10%) and responsibility (8%), but his other ratings remained below 10%.
- Gesmundo performed best in upholding the law (16%) and fulfilling sworn duties (12%), highlighting his role in the judiciary.
While their numbers were not as strong as Duterte’s, their performance in key areas reflects their standing in public perception.
What the Survey Results Mean for 2025 Politics
The latest PAHAYAG survey results could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape. With Sara Duterte maintaining a strong public image and Bongbong Marcos showing signs of weakening perception, political analysts believe the power dynamics within the administration could shift.
One expert noted that Duterte’s dominance in bravery and nationalistic traits could strengthen her influence in major government decisions. Meanwhile, Marcos may need to work on rebuilding public trust and addressing concerns that led to his declining ratings.
As the 2025 midterm elections approach, these survey results could influence political alliances, policy decisions, and future leadership strategies. The numbers suggest that Filipinos value strong, decisive leadership and expect their officials to demonstrate genuine concern for the country.
With the next PAHAYAG survey scheduled later this year, all eyes will be on whether these trends continue—or if the tides will turn once again.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.