Public trust in Philippine businesses remains conditional, with transparency, honest pricing, and consumer protection emerging as key factors shaping confidence in the country’s increasingly digital economy, according to the EON Group’s 2026 Philippine Trust Study.
Developed in partnership with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the Institute of Philippine Culture of Ateneo de Manila University, the study recorded an overall score of 72.0 out of 100 in the first Philippine Business Trust Index. None of the nine business sectors examined achieved the Robust Trust category.
Among the technology-related sectors, Financial Technology (FinTech) recorded a trust score of 70.8, while Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) scored 68.6, placing both in the Fragile Trust category.
The findings highlight the importance of transparency and accountability as businesses increasingly deliver services through digital platforms. In particular, consumer confidence in financial technology depends not only on convenience and accessibility but also on clear pricing, security, and the protection of personal and financial information.
Price-related concerns were among the leading reasons Filipinos distrust businesses. Respondents cited prices perceived as too high or unreasonable (19.7%), unclear prices or fees (14.7%), and hidden charges (11.7%). Meanwhile, value for money was identified by 18.6% as a reason for trusting their most-trusted business sector.
Honesty emerged as the leading attribute of business trustworthiness, with 34.6% of respondents ranking it as their top priority. Product and service quality, competence, genuine care, accountability, and transparency were also identified as important factors.
“Filipinos should not have to keep absorbing the cost of poor value and unclear pricing. It is up to businesses to give people real reasons to choose them, and to keep choosing them,” said Malyn Molina, president and COO of the EON Group.
The nationwide study surveyed 800 Filipino adults across 160 barangays in 84 cities and municipalities between May and August 2026. It also included focus group discussions with 82 participants and interviews with 18 business executives.
The findings provide a baseline for understanding public confidence across Philippine business sectors, highlighting the need for technology-driven businesses to strengthen transparency, consumer protection, and accountability as digital services become increasingly integrated into everyday transactions.
