MANILA – Nearly six months into the 20th Congress, newly elected Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, along with Senator Risa Hontiveros, emerge as the most favorably viewed members of the Senate, based on the latest survey results. Aquino leads with a net favorable rating of 54%, followed by Pangilinan at 47% and Hontiveros at 46%.
Their strong favorability is largely driven by high public visibility and perceived diligence, both inside and outside Senate plenary sessions.
Two senators allied with former President Rodrigo Duterte also placed in the Top 5. Senator Bong Go posts at 42% net favorable rating, supported by his continued visibility through constituent assistance and public service initiatives, while Rodante Marcoleta follows with 38%, including a notable 21% “very favorable” score reflecting strong recognition among his base.
Tied to controversies
At the other end of the rankings, several senators register high net unfavorable ratings, largely shaped by unresolved controversies and negative issue recall.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada posts the highest net unfavorable rating at 55%, amid allegations linking him to anomalous flood control projects under investigation.
Senators Mark and Camille Villar both record 50% net unfavorable ratings, weighed down by public concerns over their family’s business interests, particularly issues involving PrimeWater.
Senator Imee Marcos follows with a 48% net unfavorable rating, coinciding with backlash over her public revelations regarding alleged drug abuse within the First Family, which intensified political tension and public unease.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa registers a 47% net unfavorable rating, as criticism persists over his continued absence from Senate Plenary Sessions, reportedly linked to concerns over a potential International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
Also, posting a 47% net unfavorable rating is Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, amid allegations that he received campaign donations from a contractor during the 2022 elections, raising questions about conflicts of interest.
Admin ratings slide
The President’s overall performance rating fell to 24%, down from 27% last quarter, marking its lowest level so far, while disapproval rose to 51%, its highest to date.
Understanding the Metrics
The Pahayag Survey distinguishes between favorability, approval, and trust, which measure different dimensions of public perception and should not be used interchangeably.
“Favorability rating” refers to the proportion of respondents who express a positive opinion (e.g., “very favorable” or “somewhat favorable”) toward a subject when asked in a survey.
“Approval” is a performance-based judgment—respondents are evaluating how well someone is doing their job or fulfilling their role. Meanwhile, “Trust” is confidence in a person or institution’s character, integrity, and reliability—a deeper form of credibility than favorability.
