A matter of trust

Trust in the Philippines is no longer a given; it is conditional, earned through transparency, competence and ethical behavior.

- MARIANNE GO

The 2024 Philippine Trust Study (PTS) reveals that Filipinos now demand proof before extending trust to institutions.

Unfortunately, I disagree with the findings of the study conducted by EON The Stakeholders Relations Group in collaboration with the Department of Development Studies at the Ateneo de Manila University. The joint findings of the study bear the theme "The Accountability Revolution - Why Filipinos Demand Proof Before Full Trust." The study highlights the public's expectations across six sectors: government, business, media, religious institutions, NGOs and the academe.

The study is based on a nationwide survey of 1,800 Filipinos and focus group discussions. It establishes that trust, once given, can quickly erode when expectations are not met. True, perhaps, but in my opinion, this is more talk than action.

While the results of the study may seem correct at first glance, the reality for Filipinos is that many trust first and regret later, repeating the process all over again. The same appears to be the case even for the American public, which recently decided to vote a convicted felon to the highest post in their country.

For most Filipinos, trust is a gut feeling - "gusto ko sya, mabait sya, naniniwala ako sa kanya" (I like him/her, he/she is good, I believe in him/her). But when things go wrong, they often continue to rely on that same gut feel - "feel ko lang."

Part of my argument is based on Filipinos' reliance on traditional media, which they claim, and to some extent is true, is biased and controlled by special interest groups. However, traditional media is subject to established laws that hold reports accountable, such as libel laws.