Philippine President Marcos’ ratings slide after Duterte arrest

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approval and trust ratings tumbled by double digits last month, according to a survey conducted more than a week after ex-leader Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest.

Both Marcos’ trust and approval numbers slid to 25 per cent last month from 42 per cent in February, based on survey results published by Pulse Asia Research Inc. on Wednesday. The poll was conducted on 2,400 adults from March 23 to 29.

Vice President Sara Duterte meanwhile saw her trust rating improve from 53 per cent in February to 61 per cent last month after her father’s arrest.

Former President Duterte was arrested by Marcos’ government and turned over to the International Criminal Court last month amid a feud between the two formerly aligned political clans. Duterte is being accused of crimes against humanity in his drug war, but has denied direct hand in the killings.

The ex-leader remains a popular figure in the Philippines, especially in his bailiwick on the southern island of Mindanao. Vice President Duterte, who’s considering a presidential run in 2028, is set to face an impeachment trial at the Senate.