By Louis ‘Barok‘ C. Biraogo — January 20, 2025
FORGET telenovelas—the latest Tangere survey, conducted January 13–16, 2025, is the real-life drama you need to watch. Released on January 20, the survey peels back the curtain on shifting public opinion, revealing widening generational divides, fragile political loyalties, and the rise of unexpected new dynamics in Philippine politics.
The Marcos Decline: A Tale of Two Regions
President Marcos remains a polarizing figure, with satisfaction and trust ratings dipping slightly to 46.2% and 58.5%, respectively. While his base in Northern and Central Luzon holds steady, his struggles in Davao and Northern Mindanao—and particularly among older Filipinos—hint at cracks in his carefully crafted image.
For many younger voters, Marcos represents continuity and charisma, a leader who speaks to their aspirations. But among older Filipinos, memories of the Marcos family’s controversial past linger, making trust harder to secure. The generational divide underscores a broader reality: the President’s appeal is less about uniting the country and more about catering to specific pockets of support.
The Duterte Dip: A Warning Sign in Mindanao
If Marcos’ decline is a whisper, Vice President Sara Duterte’s is a shout. Her satisfaction rating has plummeted to 40.6%, with her trust rating not far behind at 47%. This drop is particularly striking given her stronghold in Mindanao, where she has historically enjoyed unwavering support.
Duterte’s struggle among low-income and lower-middle-income respondents offers a clue. As economic frustrations mount, promises of progress ring hollow. For many Filipinos, the Vice President’s brand of leadership—steeped in her father’s legacy—may feel increasingly out of touch with the daily struggles of the “karaniwang tao.”
Romualdez Rising: The Young Voter’s Favorite
Amid the declines of Marcos and Duterte, Speaker Martin Romualdez has emerged as a figure to watch. His satisfaction and trust ratings have edged upward, now standing at 49% and 59%, respectively, driven by younger voters in Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, and Eastern Visayas.
Romualdez’s rise can be attributed to several factors. His leadership in passing key legislation and his visibility during the recent congressional hearings have positioned him as a competent and proactive leader. Moreover, his association with tangible government programs, such as ayuda (financial assistance), has bolstered his credibility among younger, more socially conscious voters.
Unlike Duterte, whose base is regional, Romualdez’s appeal is broader, cutting across generational and geographic lines. He represents a new kind of politician—pragmatic, results-driven, and less encumbered by the baggage of familial legacy.
The Shifting Tides of Public Opinion
The Tangere survey reflects a Philippine electorate in flux. The generational divide is stark: younger voters are drawn to figures like Romualdez who promise competence and progress, while older voters remain skeptical of leaders who prioritize style over substance. Regional dynamics, too, are telling, with dissatisfaction growing in areas once considered political strongholds.
This shifting landscape raises important questions for the future. Can Marcos rebuild trust among older voters? Will Duterte adapt her messaging to address economic frustrations? And most intriguingly, does Romualdez’s growing appeal signal the rise of a new political force in the Philippines?
A Window into the Future
Ultimately, the survey offers a snapshot of a political moment defined by uncertainty. As Filipinos grapple with economic challenges, regional divides, and generational shifts, their leaders face a crucial test: to transcend their own limitations and serve a nation hungry for progress.
For now, Romualdez’s steady rise serves as a reminder that, in Philippine politics, tides can turn quickly—and often in unexpected directions.
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KWEBA ni BAROK 
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