PUBLIC trust in traditional media is eroding due to online misinformation, according to a March 2025 survey by Publicus Asia.
The poll found that 68 percent of Filipinos rely on internet search engines for political and current affairs information, followed closely by Facebook (66 percent) and television (65 percent).
Despite continued relevance, mainstream media face waning credibility, attributed to the prevalence of fake news. “The increasing prevalence of fake news and disinformation has significantly affected public trust,” Publicus said.
Trusted media outlets
Among media outlets, GMA-7 remains the most trusted at 42 percent, though down two points from the previous quarter. Trust in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, and Manila Bulletin held steady or declined slightly. ABS-CBN Online fell five points to 34 percent, while TV5/Interaksyon dropped to 31 percent. Bombo Radyo and Newswatch Plus (formerly CNN Philippines) each scored 30 percent.
The survey noted that digital platforms dominate daily media consumption, with social media at 58 percent, and television and streaming services tied at 43 percent. Radio and print trail behind.
The survey, conducted among 1,500 respondents via a purposive sample from a 200,000-voter panel by PureSpectrum, underscored concerns about biased reporting and social media’s role in shaping political narratives.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin urged accountability for purveyors of fake news, calling its effects “very devastating.” The National Bureau of Investigation is probing at least 20 individuals involved in a misinformation network and has sought Interpol’s help to locate overseas perpetrators.
The Presidential Communications Office is also intensifying its anti-fake news campaign under President Ferdinand Marcos’s directive. / PNA