Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is nearing three years in office, yet a recent national poll shows that nearly 60% of Filipinos now believe that "the country might be better off with a different president."
This survey result sends a clear signal: the performance of the ruling team is facing increasing scrutiny.
According to a recent survey report by the independent agency WR Numero, conducted from March 31 to April 7, 2025, the agency interviewed 1,894 adult voters nationwide. The data shows that as many as 58% of respondents believe that if Leni Robredo, the former vice president, had been elected in 2022, the situation in the Philippines today might have been more ideal; only 42% of respondents still express satisfaction with the current president's leadership.
The national margin of error for this poll is ±2%, and the sample covers major regions including Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the capital Metro Manila, making it highly representative.
From a regional perspective, expectations for Robredo are highest in the Visayas, where 77% of respondents believe she would be a better national leader; followed by Mindanao with a support rate of 61%. In contrast, views in Metro Manila are more divided, with 54% still supporting Marcos and 46% believing Robredo could have brought about a better situation.
At the age level, younger voters show a stronger preference for Robredo: 62% of those under 30 say "changing leaders would be better"; 56% of the 31 to 59 age group; and more than half of those aged 60 and above hold similar views.
Despite Robredo's defeat in the 2022 elections and her gradual withdrawal from the national political stage, currently running for mayor in her hometown of Naga City, her political influence among the public evidently remains strong. Political analysts point out that this survey reveals the public's disappointment with the current government's "failure to meet expectations," and also sends important signals for future electoral battles.
"This is not only a midterm assessment of President Marcos, but it could also be a prelude to a rebound in public opinion." A scholar commented, noting that as the 2025 midterm elections approach, such polls will directly influence the strategies of the ruling coalition and the opposition.
