Philippine Observatory on Democracy: Topline Report

On 29 April 2025, the Philippine Observatory on Democracy (POD) Consortium published the Topline Report of the Philippine Observatory on Democracy Survey, presenting preliminary findings on how urban Filipinos understand and engage with democracy today. The report provides descriptive insights based on data collected from Naga City, Metro Manila, Cebu City, Davao City, and Zamboanga City.

This first release highlights early trends in civic participation, political engagement, institutional trust, and democratic values. These findings form the initial stage of a broader research agenda that will include deeper inferential and qualitative analyses. The Topline Report is intended to inform ongoing research, foster public discussion, and support evidence-based policymaking to strengthen democratic culture in the Philippines.

The POD Consortium is composed of Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Naga University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, and the John J Carroll Institute on Church and Social Issues. The initiative is part of a global Jesuit-led effort to examine the state of democracy and civic life in different national contexts.

Read the report below.