As the 2028 presidential race approaches, the stark contrast in the political fortunes of Vice President Sara Duterte and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has become a defining narrative in Philippine politics.
The latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM), a non-partisan poll conducted by OCTA Research, reveals a sharp divergence in public trust, underscoring the growing gap between the two potential contenders.
The TNM survey, conducted from November 10-16 with a margin of error of ±3 percentage points, shows Romualdez holding a strong, steady position with a 58% trust rating and a 59% performance satisfaction rating.
In stark contrast, the nationwide survey showed Duterte’s trust rating has plummeted by 10 points to just 49%—the first time it has dropped below the majority threshold—while her performance satisfaction also fell to 48%, down from 52% in the previous survey.
The survey suggests that Romualdez’s leadership in Congress, marked by successful economic measures and an inclusive, collaborative style, has earned him consistent public support. His ratings are notably high across regions and social classes: his trust rating in Mindanao stands at 66%, and he enjoys strong support in Classes ABC and D, with a 62% trust rating. His performance satisfaction follows a similar pattern, peaking at 69% in Mindanao and 64% among Class ABC.
In contrast, Duterte’s declining ratings are largely attributed to controversies surrounding both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education (DepEd), where she served as secretary until her resignation in July. Her ratings have fallen particularly sharply in Metro Manila, where her trust rating collapsed by 17 points to just 30%. Her performance satisfaction in the National Capital Region also dropped by 12 points to a mere 26%.
While Romualdez enjoys broad support—especially in regions like Mindanao, once Duterte’s stronghold—Duterte’s image has suffered due to her involvement in various controversies. Public concerns over her leadership at DepEd and her visibility on national issues have further eroded her once-solid standing.
The survey highlights the stark contrast between the two leaders: Romualdez, with his steady, results-driven approach, continues to garner trust across diverse segments of society, while Duterte faces mounting scrutiny and a sharp decline in public approval.
As the race for 2028 heats up, the question remains: Can Duterte recover her standing, or will Romualdez’s consistent rise carry him to the presidency?
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