MANILA—The PAHAYAG 2025 First Quarter Survey reveals a decline in trust in mainstream media as fake news and disinformation continue to influence public perception, particularly in the lead-up to the May 2025 elections. The findings highlight shifting media consumption habits among Filipino voters and increasing skepticism toward news outlets.
Media consumption trends
Despite waning trust, traditional media platforms remain significant sources of political news and current events. Internet search (68%), Facebook (66%), and television (65%) are the top three sources of information, with two out of three registered voters relying on them for updates. Additionally, word-of-mouth discussions within social circles play a notable role, cited by 33% as a source of information.
However, regarding daily engagement, social media dominates at 58%, followed by television (43%) and streaming platforms (43%). Radio and print media, while still relevant, are less frequently used for daily news consumption, indicating a shift toward digital platforms for real-time information.
Declining trust in news outlets
The increasing prevalence of fake news and disinformation has significantly affected public trust in mainstream media. The survey highlights growing skepticism toward news organizations, with many Filipinos questioning the credibility and accuracy of information disseminated by various outlets.
Among the most trusted news sources, GMA-7 leads with a trust rating of 42%, followed by the Philippine Daily Inquirer (38%), the Philippine Star (36%), and the Manila Bulletin (35%). ABS-CBN Online garnered a trust rating of 34%, while TV5/Interaksyon stands at 31%. Other media organizations, including Bombo Radyo (30%), Newswatch Plus (formerly CNN Philippines) (30%), DZBB (27%), DZRH (27%), and Manila Times (27%), complete the list of top trusted news sources.
The survey highlights the challenge facing mainstream media in rebuilding public confidence amid rising concerns over biased reporting, misinformation, and the influence of social media in shaping political discourse. As the country moves closer to the 2025 elections, the role of responsible journalism remains crucial in ensuring an informed electorate.
PAHAYAG 2025 First Quarter (PQ1-2025) is an independent and non-commissioned survey conducted from 15-20 March 2025 by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc., using a purposive sampling composed of 1,500 respondents randomly selected from the research panel of over 200,000 registered Filipino voters maintained by the Singapore office of PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with a multinational presence
For more information on the survey methodology and detailed results, please visit www.publicusasia.com/pahayag.
