Vice President Sara Duterte expressed surprise at the rise in her approval and trust ratings despite sustained political criticisms and ongoing impeachment proceedings against her.
In a Manila Bulletin report, Duterte admitted she did not expect public support to strengthen amid negative publicity. “Well, nagulat ako nung nakita po ‘yung numbers ng pagtitiwala ng mga tao sa akin,” she said. “Nakakagulat na tumataas ‘yung numbers,” she added, referring to the defamation she has received “from politicians, from social media, all sides.”
According to the Ulat ng Bayan survey by Pulse Asia Research released last week, Duterte’s approval rating climbed to 59 percent in March from 52 percent in February. Her trust rating also rose from 53 percent to 61 percent in the same period.
Notably, her numbers surged in Metro Manila, jumping to 55 percent from 33 percent in approval, and trust rising by 23 points to 56 percent. Mindanao remains her strongest base with a 96 percent approval rating and a 97 percent trust rating.
Across socioeconomic classes, her approval among Class E increased to 74 percent, followed by Class ABC at 60 percent and Class D at 58 percent. Trust levels also rose in these groups, with Class E topping at 75 percent.
The Vice President also took a swipe at House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is reportedly eyeing a 2028 presidential bid. She said her supporters’ votes would not transfer to him should she choose not to run. “Sinabi ko na ito noon… hindi naman kasi lumilipat sa numbers ni Martin Romualdez,” she said, adding, “Kapag hindi ako tumakbong presidente, hindi pupunta ‘yung boto ko kay Martin Romualdez.”
Duterte is currently facing impeachment charges over alleged misuse of public funds and incitement to insurrection. The Senate is expected to begin trial proceedings in July.
