A "sharpest decline" in the pro-administration sentiment was logged in the latest survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. days after the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte on March 11.

The survey on Monday recorded that the pro-administration sentiment dropped to 15 percent in the first quarter of the year from 28 percent in the last fourth quarter of 2024 "marking the sharpest decline recorded so far".

"In contrast, anti-administration sentiment surged from 30 percent to 45 percent, while neutral sentiment remained stable at 39 percent", it said.

The survey was conducted from March 15 to March 20, four days after the arrest of Duterte.

Duterte was arrested on the strength of an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over allegedly committing crimes against humanity. He was brought to the Netherlands where he is detained.

The support to the government is highest in the National Capital Region (NCR) at 22 percent while anti-administration is dominant in Visayas at 52 percent. Neutral sentiment remains stable in North Central Luzon at 47 percent.

"Additionally, the increase in anti-administration sentiment led to an 8% rise in pro-opposition sentiment and a 7 percent increase in anti-opposition sentiment, with 46% of respondents maintaining neutrality between the two factions", it said.

"Pro-opposition support is strongest in Mindanao (35 percent), while neutral sentiment is highest in North-Central Luzon (52 percent) and South Luzon (50 percent) , it added. Marie Manalili/DMS