National politics is as polarizing as it’s ever been. It’s worth asking then, if everyday Filipinos still have faith in their own democracy. Here’s what they said.

The Philippines’ 2025 midterm elections seem to be as polarizing as ever. Political alliances are shifting, campaign rhetoric is heating up, and debates are lighting up both social media feeds and family dinners. Yet underneath all the noise, a more essential question emerges: Do Filipinos still believe that their government reflects the will of the people, and that their votes truly count?

We took a closer look at what Filipinos think about democracy today. The results show a population still holding on to hope, though not without its doubts.

Do Filipinos Believe the Country Is Ruled by the People?

The good news: A strong majority, 65% of Filipinos, believe the country is still governed by the will of the people. That belief holds across most demographics, even as disagreements and uncertainty remain.

Here’s how that breaks down:

• By gender:
  • 69% of men agree, compared to 62% of women.
  • Slightly more women (34%) are skeptical, versus 30% of men.

• By generation:
  • Boomers are the most confident in the system (70% agreement), while millennials are slightly more cautious (64%).
  • Gen Z and Gen X stay close to the national average at 65% and 67% respectively.

• By socio-economic class:
  • Those in higher income brackets (ABC1) are most confident (68%), but also show a slightly higher “don’t know” rate (6%).
  • Interestingly, lower-income Filipinos (DE) remain fairly optimistic, with 66% saying the country is ruled by the people.

• By region:
  • Metro Manila (NCR) and the Visayas lead with 70% and 69% agreement.
  • Southern Luzon (SLB) stands out with a more divided view: only 61% agree, and 37% disagree.

Are Elections Still Free and Fair?

A related but slightly more sobering picture emerges when Filipinos are asked about the fairness and freedom of elections. While 57% still believe that elections are free and fair, a significant 41% disagree.

• By gender: No notable difference, as 57% of both men and women agree elections are free and fair.
• By generation:
  • Boomers are again the most optimistic (72%), followed by Gen X at 64%.
  • Millennials (54%) and Gen Z (53%) are less convinced, reflecting a growing generational skepticism.
• By socio-economic class:
  • Curiously, lower-income groups (DE) show stronger belief in fair elections (60%) compared to higher-income Filipinos.
  • In contrast, classes ABC1 and C2 are nearly split, or even leaning toward doubt, with only 46% in each group agreeing elections are free and fair.
• By region:
  • The Visayas stands out for its strong confidence in electoral fairness (72%).
  • Southern Luzon (SLB), however, shows the lowest trust, with just 46% believing in fair elections and 52% saying otherwise.

Who’s Voting in 2025?

All generations have their stake in the polls, but younger voters are starting to play a bigger role.

Here’s the projected breakdown of voters:

• Gen Z – 27%
• Millennials – 26%
• Gen X – 30%
• Boomers – 17%

While the older generations still form the backbone of the electorate, the growing voice of the younger population, especially Gen Z, is impossible to ignore.

And they’re not just showing up, they’re paying attention.

• 82% of Gen Z say they actively stay informed about current events.
• 70% care about social and political issues, compared to just 14% who don’t.

This paints a picture of a generation that’s plugged in, socially aware, and increasingly vocal about what kind of country they want to inherit.

Vox Populi at Work

Despite the divisions and doubts, Filipinos remain largely optimistic about the foundations of their democracy. Most still believe the country is ruled by the people, and a majority continue to trust in the fairness of elections.

What’s more, the data shows that older Filipinos and lower-income households. who make up a large portion of the population, continue to believe in the system. And at the same time, younger Filipinos are stepping up with a critical eye and a deep desire for progress.

The 2025 elections won’t just be about who wins and loses. They’ll be a reflection of how democracy is evolving in the Philippines, and how each generation, each region, and each community is helping shape that future.

One thing is clear: Filipinos aren’t giving up on democracy. They’re thinking about it more, watching it closer, and demanding better. And that, in itself, is a hopeful sign.

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