Filipinos Rally Behind Marcos, Reject Duterte’s China Ties: Survey Reveals

In a significant shift of public sentiment, Filipinos are increasingly supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and distancing themselves from former President Rodrigo Duterte’s pro-China policies, according to a recent OCTA Research survey. House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Representative Paolo Ortega V highlighted the survey’s findings, which showed a clear preference for Marcos over Duterte. The Tugon ng Masa survey, conducted between January 25 and 31, indicated that 36% of Filipinos support Marcos, while only 18% back Duterte. Additionally, 26% of respondents did not support either leader, and 8% aligned with the opposition. Ortega emphasized that this shift represents a broader political battle between ‘Team Pilipinas’ and ‘Team China.’ He criticized leaders who have compromised national interests for China, particularly in the West Philippine Sea and with the proliferation of Chinese-controlled Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Ortega praised Marcos for his efforts to assert the country’s territorial rights, combat illegal POGOs, and reduce Chinese influence. He declared that the era of Duterte is over, and the Filipino people are moving forward with Team Pilipinas.