Abbey M.

The latest Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research reveals contrasting trends for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte with the president's trust rating declining while the vice president's increased in the final quarter of 2025.

According to the nationwide poll conducted from December 16-20, 2025, among 1,200 respondents, President Marcos Jr.'s trust rating fell to 48% in the fourth quarter from 57% in the third quarter. 

Despite the decline, a majority of Filipinos—51%- reported satisfaction with the chief executive's performance.

Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte saw her trust rating rise to 53% from 51% in the third quarter. Her performance approval rating also climbed to 54% from the previous 49%, marking an upward trend in public confidence.

The survey results highlight shifting public sentiment toward the country's top two officials during a period marked by political tensions and policy debates. While President Marcos Jr. maintains majority approval for his performance, the gap between the two leaders' trust ratings has narrowed significantly from the previous quarter.

OCTA Research's Tugon ng Masa survey is a regular polling exercise that gauges public opinion on government officials and their performance across various issues affecting the nation.

The Department of Transportation has started implementing temporary closures on sections of North EDSA to accommodate turnback girder launching activities as part of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 construction.

Starting February 1 through May 8, 2026, two lanes on the northbound side toward Balintawak will be closed 24/7. Full road closures will also be implemented on select nights from 10 PM to 4 AM during this period.

On the southbound side toward Cubao, two lanes will be closed from February 15 to May 18, with the same nighttime full closure schedule from 10 PM to 4 AM.

According to engineers, the lane closures are necessary to install tower supports and steel box girders that will serve as the foundation for the rail line. 

Concrete barriers will also be placed to ensure safety during the construction phase.

Officials warned commuters to expect longer travel times and worsening traffic in the area. The public is advised to exercise patience or use alternative routes to avoid significant delays.

The MRT-7 project is expected to improve transportation efficiency once completed, providing faster transit options for commuters traveling along the North EDSA corridor.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that his health is improving, according to a vlog he released on Sunday, February 1.

In the video update, the president revealed he lost weight after being placed on a liquid diet for several days. Malacañang previously disclosed that Marcos Jr. was diagnosed with diverticulitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the digestive system.

"I'm recovering well, and the doctors' assessment is good—nothing serious. I just need to regain my strength," President Marcos Jr. stated in his vlog.

["ako naman eto, nagre-recover na rin, maganda naman ang assessment ng mga doctor, nothing serious, kailangan magpalakas ulit.”]

The president's health update comes after concerns were raised about his condition. Diverticulitis occurs when small pouches in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected, often requiring dietary modifications and medical treatment.

Despite the temporary health setback, the president assured the public that his recovery is progressing smoothly and that medical professionals have given him a positive prognosis.

Malacañang has announced that there will be no more cabinet rigodon under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., even as some of his secretaries remain in acting capacity.

The Palace made this statement following questions raised by Senator Rodante Marcoleta about the increasing number of acting secretaries who have not yet gone through the Commission on Appointments.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said they asked the President about the matter, and he confirmed there would be no more rigodon. She added that the names of appointees will be submitted to the Commission on Appointments as soon as possible.

Construction has begun on a covered walkway between TriNoma and SM North EDSA to make pedestrian and commuter travel safer and more comfortable.

This follows an inspection conducted by the Department of Transportation and DOTR-MRT3, which assessed the condition of the walkway and the temporary cement patches installed in areas prone to flooding.

According to DOTR, construction of the covered walkway will continue to protect passersby from sun and rain, especially during rush hours.

The agency expressed gratitude to MRT-7 under San Miguel Corporation for its assistance in installing the covered walkway.