Mimaropa region registered the strongest opposition to democratic governance among Philippine regions, with 44 percent expressing dissatisfaction, even as four out of five Filipinos nationwide reportedly continue to support democracy despite reports on massive corruption in government, according to a survey released Saturday.
Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) region’s dissent rate was followed by Negros Island Region at 40 percent, OCTA Research think tank said in its third-quarter 2025 “Tugon ng Masa” (People’s Response) survey.
Nationwide, 80 percent of Filipinos said they prefer to maintain democracy in the country, while 18 percent disagreed and two percent were uncertain, the poll showed.
However, satisfaction with how democracy actually functions remained tepid, with only 41 percent of respondents saying they were content with its current state.
Some 31 percent expressed dissatisfaction while 26 percent had no clear opinion.
“The study reveals two contrasting views among Filipinos: strong belief in democracy as a principle, but weak satisfaction with its results,” OCTA said in its report.
The research firm said public trust in democracy remains firm but “conditional,” dependent on government effectiveness, accountability, and public service delivery.
Support for democracy was highest in Luzon at 84 percent and lowest in the Visayas at 72 percent.
Among specific regions, Northern Mindanao led with 95 percent support, followed by the Cordillera Administrative Region and Bicol, both at 92 percent.
Satisfaction with democratic governance was highest in Luzon at 55 percent and lowest in the Visayas at 25 percent.
Visayas recorded 44 percent dissatisfaction, followed by Mindanao at 39 percent.
By socioeconomic class, Class D showed the strongest support for democracy at 81 percent, followed by Class E at 78 percent and Class ABC at 75 percent.
The survey was conducted from September 25-30, 2025, through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above. It had a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level.
OCTA said Filipinos’ continued commitment to democracy despite disappointment signals “civic maturity.”
“Filipinos are not rejecting democracy — they are demanding reforms that will strengthen it. Democracy in the Philippines remains resilient, not because of blind loyalty, but because of hope for reform, justice, and equality,” Octa Research says.
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