Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to remain resolute in the final years of his term, warning that public trust has weakened amid rising anger over corruption, as reflected in recent opinion polls.
Lacson said Marcos appeared to regain momentum after strongly calling out corrupt officials during his July State of the Nation Address.
“I hope the President will not waver in his remaining years in office. I thought the momentum was already on his side with his famous ‘Mahiya naman kayo!’ SONA remark,” Lacson said.
However, he acknowledged that recent surveys show growing public dissatisfaction with the administration.
“Unfortunately, the Filipino people’s perception has not been kind to him, as what the latest surveys have indicated,” he added.
A Social Weather Stations survey conducted from November 24 to 30 showed Marcos’ “much trust” rating dropped to 38%, down from 48% in June and 43% in September. Meanwhile, Pulse Asia’s December Ulat ng Bayan survey recorded a 48% disapproval rating for the President, up from 44% in September.
Lacson linked the decline in confidence to increased public awareness of corruption issues.
“With a more awakened and angrier citizenry who have never been exposed before to more detailed acts of corruption and plunder of their hard-earned tax money, our national leaders have to brace themselves to address more corruption issues in 2026,” he said.
As chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which is probing alleged flood control anomalies, Lacson said he plans to take a more active role in oversight.
“I am looking forward to being actively involved again, along with my team of like-minded individuals with renewed vigor and courage to contribute our share in informing the public through our investigations and research work in ways we know best,” he said.