MANILA – A recent survey by OCTA Research indicates a growing base of support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with 38 percent of adult Filipinos now identifying as pro-Marcos. This is a notable increase, continuing the steady upward trend seen throughout 2024.

The findings, derived from the Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey conducted from August 28 to September 2, 2024, reflect a 2-percent increase compared to the previous quarter’s results. OCTA Research noted that while the national-level change seems minimal, the cumulative data from this year demonstrates consistent growth in pro-Marcos sentiment.

In contrast, only 7 percent of respondents expressed support for the opposition, a slight uptick from the previous quarter’s 5 percent. Support for the Duterte family and their allies, meanwhile, has waned, with 15 percent of respondents identifying as pro-Duterte—a one-percent decrease.

The survey also revealed that 26 percent of Filipinos consider themselves politically independent, a decline of five percentage points from the previous quarter. Additionally, 14 percent remain undecided regarding their political preferences.

Regionally, Marcos enjoys robust support in Metro Manila and Balance Luzon, where 42 and 43 percent of respondents, respectively, back the President. The Visayas saw a rise in pro-Marcos sentiment, reaching 37 percent, while Mindanao held steady at 25 percent.

Among socioeconomic groups, support surged in Class E, rising from 25 percent to 40 percent. Older age groups, particularly those aged 45 and above, continue to back the President, with figures ranging from 38 to 48 percent across various age brackets.

Despite Mindanao remaining a stronghold for Duterte, with 48 percent of respondents identifying as pro-Duterte, his influence is shrinking in other regions. Metro Manila and Balance Luzon recorded sharp drops in support for the Duterte camp, at just 6 percent and 3 percent, respectively.

The OCTA survey, which involved face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult respondents, has a margin of error of ±3 percent at the national level. It is non-commissioned and primarily focuses on the political leanings of adult Filipinos.

elami/mnm