Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has voiced deep concern over the latest survey results showing a significant drop in the Senate’s trust and performance ratings — a rare instance where the House of Representatives has overtaken the upper chamber.
“The rating of the Senate has never been this low, much less even lower than the House. Never!” Sotto said, reacting to the July 12–17 OCTA Research survey.
According to the findings, the Senate’s trust rating fell sharply from 57% in November 2024 to 49%. Meanwhile, its performance rating also slid from 53% to 47%. A combined 52% of respondents were either unsure or dissatisfied with the Senate’s work.
In stark contrast, the House of Representatives enjoyed a surge in public approval. Trust in the lower chamber jumped from 49% to 57%, while its performance rating climbed from 47% to 55%. Only 8–9% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction.
Sotto believes there’s still a way for the Senate to win back public trust — by ensuring transparency and integrity in the upcoming national budget discussions. “Do not mangle the national budget,” he urged, pointing to the 2026 General Appropriations Bill as a crucial moment for the institution to regain credibility.
On the other hand, House members from the majority bloc attributed their improved ratings to Speaker Martin Romualdez’s leadership. Lawmakers including Reps. Janette Garin, Wilfrido Mark Enverga, Eleandro Jesus Madrona, Brian Raymund Yamsuan, and Jude Acidre said the survey results reflect effective governance.
“You don’t get an eight-point jump in trust by chance. That happens when you have a Speaker who knows where the country should go and gets the job done,” said Garin.
