Trust on the Decline: What Falling Confidence in Congress Signals

A recent end-of-year public opinion survey shows a continued decline in public trust toward the Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives—a signal that frustration with the country’s political institutions remains unresolved as 2026 begins.

According to the survey results, approval ratings for both chambers dipped again, reflecting public dissatisfaction amid persistent issues such as flooding, high electricity and food prices, transportation costs, corruption concerns, and overall economic pressure. While some executive agencies were rated as “stable,” the legislature experienced one of the most noticeable drops in confidence.

The findings point to a growing disconnect between lawmakers and everyday realities faced by Filipino households. For many citizens, legislative debates feel distant from urgent problems that require swift, visible solutions. As costs rise and services strain, patience thins—and approval follows.

Public trust is not lost overnight. It erodes gradually when promises appear repetitive, outcomes feel delayed, and accountability seems unclear. In this context, the decline is less about personalities and more about performance—how effectively laws translate into relief, protection, and stability.

Supporters of Congress argue that complex problems require time, negotiation, and fiscal balance. Critics counter that leadership is measured precisely in moments of pressure, when institutions are expected to respond decisively rather than defensively.

📖 “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” — Proverbs 21:15

As the year unfolds, the survey serves as a mirror rather than a verdict. It reflects public sentiment shaped by lived experience—and reminds lawmakers that trust is not claimed by position, but earned through results.