Palace welcomes Pulse Asia survey results showing majority of Filipinos approve of Aquino’s performance

The Malacañang Palace (Facebook photo)

MANILA – Malacañang has welcomed the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey showing the public’s strong confidence in the performance of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said public confidence in President Aquino remains strong even as the Chief Executive nears the end of his term.

“Among the top national government officials included in the survey, only the President obtained a majority approval rating: 52 percent for performance, up from 49 percent last January. In terms of location, this is supported by majority approvals in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The President’s trust rating likewise rose to 49 percent, up from 39 percent last February – with distrust falling from 24 percent to 21 percent,” Secretary Lacierda said in a statement issued on Monday.

The Pulse Asia research team interviewed 1,800 people from March 12 to 18 for the survey.

Lacierda said President Aquino’s high rating is a reflection of the people’s approval of the Daang Matuwid, an advocacy anchored on good governance.

“Throughout his term, President Aquino has obtained historically high approval ratings. On a larger scale, these positive ratings reflect the people’s approval of Daang Matuwid – and the reforms and programs initiated under it. Just this morning, the President led the ceremonial turnover of 135 fire trucks and 144 patrol jeeps – further testaments to the extent of our country’s transformation,” he said.

“Under the consecutive leadership of Secretary Jesse Robredo, Secretary Mar Roxas, and now Secretary Mel Sarmiento, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has continued to make appropriate investments for the benefit of our citizens. As a result, all our cities now have at least one fire truck, and – upon the delivery of today’s 144 jeeps – police stations in every city and municipality will now be equipped with at least one patrol jeep,” he added.

The Palace official expressed optimism that the public would vote wisely in the May elections to ensure the continuity of the Aquino administration’s reforms and programs.

“Today’s turnover ceremony – as well as the President’s positive approval ratings – speaks volumes about our recent achievements. More than that, these developments also remind us of what is at stake in the coming elections. The President has already placed his trust in a successor who will definitely continue and accelerate Daang Matuwid. In exercising their duty as citizens, it is our hope that voters will discern well among the candidates, bear in mind the long view, and keep to the Straight Path,” said Lacierda.

For his part, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the surge in President Aquino’s ratings signifies that the gains from the government’s programs on good governance and transparency and inclusive economic growth have been spread equitably among all socio-demographic classes.

“We are extremely grateful for the show of support and confidence of our people as we vow to double our efforts in improving the quality of life of our Bosses in our remaining months in office. As we prepare for a peaceful and orderly transition of power in the coming national elections in May, we are confident that our people shall choose the candidates who shall best continue the legacy of social transformation of the Aquino administration,” Secretary Coloma said.