A new Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey by OCTA Research, released on October 22, 2025, revealed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continues to enjoy strong public confidence, with 73% of adult Filipinos expressing trust in the military and an equal 73% satisfied with its performance.
The survey, conducted from September 25 to 30, 2025, ranked the AFP among the most trusted and best-performing government institutions in the country for the third quarter of the year.
According to OCTA, public support for the AFP remains robust nationwide, particularly in Mindanao (84%) and the National Capital Region (82%). Meanwhile, regions such as BARMM, MIMAROPA, CARAGA, and the Zamboanga Peninsula recorded near-universal trust and satisfaction with the military’s work.
The AFP’s approval also cuts across socio-economic classes, with 79% of Class E respondents expressing trust and 75% satisfied with the institution’s performance.
OCTA noted that these consistently high ratings may be linked to the public’s perception of the AFP as a professional, apolitical, and service-oriented organization known for its integrity and effectiveness.
The survey also highlighted strong public sentiment on national defense issues. Eighty-three percent (83%) of Filipinos believe that the West Philippine Sea is vital to the country’s maritime entitlements and must be defended, while 78% say they are confident in the AFP’s ability to protect the Philippines from external threats.
Furthermore, 80% of respondents expressed support for the AFP’s continued defense and security cooperation with the United States, underscoring the public’s recognition of the importance of strategic alliances in maintaining national security.
The Tugon ng Masa survey serves as a quarterly barometer of public opinion on trust and satisfaction in major institutions, shedding light on Filipinos’ confidence in the AFP’s role in safeguarding sovereignty and ensuring peace and order.