Class Divide Influences Distrust in President Marcos, Analysis Reveals
Distrust in Marcos reflects class divide, data analysis finds
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An analysis of Pulse Asia data by Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao from the University of the Philippines reveals that distrust in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. varies significantly across socioeconomic classes in the Philippines. While poorer Filipinos cite unmet expectations and neglect as reasons for their distrust, wealthier citizens focus on corruption and accountability issues, highlighting a sharp class divide in perceptions of governance.
- 0125.1% of Class E respondents believe Marcos does not keep his promises, while 20.6% feel he is not performing his duties.
- 0238% of wealthier respondents from Classes ABC believe Marcos is not adequately addressing corruption.
- 03Concerns about economic hardship ranked low, with only 4.7% of Class ABC citing it as a reason for distrust.
- 04The analysis indicates that issues like crime and illegal drugs are consistently mentioned across all classes, but are not the primary drivers of distrust.
- 05To rebuild trust, the government must address both accountability for corruption and deliver tangible benefits to poorer households.
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A recent analysis by Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao from the University of the Philippines Diliman highlights a significant class divide in the distrust directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Using data from a Pulse Asia survey conducted from February 27 to March 2, 2026, Panao found that dissatisfaction with the President is influenced by socioeconomic status. For the poorest Filipinos in Class E, distrust stems from unmet expectations, with 25.1% citing that he does not keep his promises and 20.6% stating he has not performed his duties. In contrast, wealthier Filipinos from Classes ABC express distrust primarily over corruption, with 38% believing the President is not effectively combating it. The analysis reveals that poorer citizens evaluate governance based on daily experiences, while wealthier individuals focus on integrity and accountability. Furthermore, issues such as economic hardship and crime, although mentioned, do not dominate the reasons for distrust. Panao concludes that to regain public trust, the government must implement visible anti-corruption measures alongside programs that address the immediate needs of poorer households, recognizing the different expectations across class lines.
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The findings suggest that the government needs to address the distinct concerns of different socioeconomic classes to rebuild trust and ensure effective governance.
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