Philippines' Marcos approval, trust ratings decline; VP Sara Duterte retains majority support: Pulse Asia Pulse Asia survey shows decline in Philippines President Marcos’ approval ratings, Vice President Sara Duterte retains majority public support. International Relations · 20 Jul 2026 · GS: GS2, Essay · Exam yield: Medium WHY THIS MATTERS Philippines is a key ASEAN partner for India under the Act East Policy, and domestic political stability there directly impacts regional security and bilateral ties. Shifts in leadership popularity can reshape foreign policy priorities, affecting India's strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. IN PLAIN WORDS The Philippines is a group of islands in Southeast Asia and a close partner of India through the Act East Policy. Like any democracy, its leaders are regularly checked by public opinion surveys. The latest Pulse Asia survey from July 2026 shows that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is losing some public support, while Vice President Sara Duterte is still very popular. Think of a national government like a two-engine airplane. One engine (the President) is sputtering a bit, while the other engine (the Vice President) is running strongly. This creates an imbalance. When the two highest leaders have different levels of public backing, it becomes harder for them to work together smoothly on big national plans, both at home and in dealing with other countries like India. This matters because the President usually handles foreign relations. If his public support is weak, he may have less power to make bold decisions or sign new agreements. For India, a stable and friendly Philippines is important for keeping the sea routes in the Indo-Pacific region safe and open for trade. KEY FACTS • Pulse Asia’s July 2026 survey records a decline in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approval and trust ratings • Vice President Sara Duterte continues to hold majority public support as per the survey findings • The survey reflects shifting public sentiment in the Philippines, a key ASEAN partner for India under the Act East Policy HOW WE GOT HERE Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. won the Philippine presidential election in May 2022 with a historic mandate, while Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was elected Vice President. They ran on a united ticket but represent different political dynasties. Since taking office in June 2022, Marcos has pivoted foreign policy closer to the United States while managing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Relations with India have strengthened under his term, marked by high-level visits and cooperation in defense and space. However, domestic issues such as inflation and rice prices have consistently tested his administration's popularity. The Pulse Asia survey is a nationally recognized public opinion poll conducted periodically to gauge the performance of top officials. THE BIGGER PICTURE Political — Executive Branch Dynamics and Political Dynasties The divergence in ratings highlights the enduring influence of political dynasties in the Philippines. While Marcos faces declining approval, Sara Duterte's majority support reflects the continued popularity of the Duterte political brand. This split can lead to friction within the executive branch, potentially affecting legislative agenda and cabinet stability. Article VII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution outlines the separation of powers, but personal political capital often dictates actual governance effectiveness. → A popularity gap between the President and Vice President signals potential executive friction and legislative hurdles. International — Impact on India-Philippines Act East Partnership The Philippines is a crucial pillar of India's Act East Policy and a dialogue partner in ASEAN. Political stability in Manila is vital for the continuity of defense cooperation, particularly the 2022 agreement for India to supply the BrahMos missile system. A shift in domestic popularity can alter the pace of foreign policy execution, though foundational bilateral ties usually remain resilient regardless of individual ratings. → Domestic popularity trends in Manila influence the momentum of India's strategic defense exports and regional diplomacy. Social — Public Sentiment and Cost of Living Approval ratings often serve as a barometer for public satisfaction with social and economic management. The decline in Marcos' ratings is likely tied to domestic concerns such as food inflation and utility costs, which affect the daily lives of Filipino citizens. Pulse Asia surveys historically show that economic performance is the primary driver of trust for incumbent presidents in the 1987 constitutional framework. → Declining ratings usually reflect public dissatisfaction with bread-and-butter issues like inflation and social welfare. ANSWER IT IN MAINS Discuss the significance of domestic political stability in the Philippines for India's Act East Policy and regional security in the Indo-Pacific. (GS2) How to attack it: Introduce the Philippines as a key ASEAN partner. Analyze how executive dynamics affect defense ties like BrahMos. Conclude with the need for multi-party engagement to ensure continuity. Quote this: Pulse Asia July 2026 survey showing declining Marcos ratings vs stable Duterte support [abs-cbn.com](https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/20/marcos-approval-trust-ratings-decline-as-sara-duterte-keeps-majority-support-pulse-asia-1459). How do political dynasties influence democratic governance and foreign policy formulation in Southeast Asian nations like the Philippines? (GS2) How to attack it: Define political dynasties. Use Marcos-Duterte dynamic as a case study. Link to policy continuity and regional alliances. Suggest institutional reforms for merit-based politics. Quote this: 1987 Philippine Constitution provisions regarding political families and the 2022 election mandate. PRELIMS QUICK-FIRE • [Body/Institution] Pulse Asia is a prominent public opinion survey firm in the Philippines, conducting the July 2026 survey on leadership approval [abs-cbn.com](https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/20/marcos-approval-trust-ratings-decline-as-sara-duterte-keeps-majority-support-pulse-asia-1459). — Pulse Asia is the primary source; do not confuse with Social Weather Stations (SWS), another major pollster. • [International] Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the 17th President of the Philippines, assuming office in June 2022 after the May 2022 elections. — Remember the 2022 election as a return of the Marcos political dynasty. • [International] Sara Duterte is the 15th Vice President of the Philippines and daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. — She represents a different political faction, creating a unique executive dynamic. • [International] India and the Philippines signed a key defense deal in 2022 for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. — This is India's largest defense export deal; often asked in IR context. • [International] The Philippines is a founding member of ASEAN and a key partner in India's Act East Policy launched in 1992 (renamed from Look East). — Act East Policy is a GS2 staple for Indo-Pacific questions. • [Constitution] The 1987 Philippine Constitution established the current Fifth Republic, defining the powers of the President and Vice President. — Philippines has a Presidential system similar to the USA, not a Parliamentary one like India. JARGON, DEMYSTIFIED • Act East Policy — India's foreign policy initiative to promote economic, strategic, and cultural relations with the Asia-Pacific region, launched in 1992. (Replaced Look East Policy; focuses on ASEAN and Indo-Pacific.) • ASEAN — Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional grouping of 10 countries including the Philippines, promoting economic growth and peace. (India is a 'Dialogue Partner'; key for GS2 IR questions.) • BrahMos — A supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, exported to the Philippines. (India's largest defense export; symbolizes 'Make in India' success.) • Political Dynasty — A family that maintains political power across generations, a common feature in the Philippines' electoral landscape. (Marcos and Duterte families are prime examples.) REVISE IN 30 SECONDS • Marcos ratings down, Duterte stable in Pulse Asia July 2026 survey. • Philippines is key to India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. • India signed BrahMos missile deal with Manila in 2022. • Political dynasties shape executive dynamics in the Philippines. • 1987 Constitution governs the current Philippine Fifth Republic. STUDY NEXT Static links: India's Relations with Neighbors and Southeast Asia, Regional Groupings: ASEAN, Act East Policy Essay angle: The Philippines as India's gateway to the Pacific: Balancing democracy and dynastic politics. Interview probe: How would you assess the impact of shifting political winds in Manila on India's defense exports and regional standing? SOURCES • Marcos approval, trust ratings decline as Sara Duterte keeps majority support—Pulse Asia | ABS-CBN News — https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/20/marcos-approval-trust-ratings-decline-as-sara-duterte-keeps-majority-support-pulse-asia-1459 Source: Philippines' Marcos approval, trust ratings decline; VP Sara Duterte retains majority support: Pulse Asia — https://upsc.cortexdesk.in/current-affairs/kd7b8fe8nz1qmtxvkvg57ngg218awyeb
