Palace views Duterte’s ‘very good’ rating with ‘humility’

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the National Heroes’ Day commemoration at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City on August 27, 2018, urged the Filipinos not only to honor the heroes but also to emulate the values that they have displayed. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — Malacañang on Saturday welcomed the recent survey results, which showed that President Rodrigo Duterte got a “very good” net trust rating despite an eight-point slip.

In the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from June 27 to 30, Duterte scored 57 percent in the second quarter of 2018, eight points lower than the 65-percent net trust score last March.

Some 70 percent of adult Filipinos had “much trust” for Duterte, 13 percent had “little trust”, and 18 percent were “undecided,” the survey showed.

This gives the Duterte presidency an average net trust rating of a very good +69 so far.

“We thank our people for their continuing vote of confidence for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during this challenging time,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

“The Palace views the latest survey results with humility. However, we have to take note that regardless of ratings, the President remains focused on his job of governing the nation,” Roque added.

He noted that much remains to be done, especially in assisting the poor, vulnerable and severely hungry families.

“We are now working double-time to aid families affected by high prices while keeping the economy stable,” he said.

On Friday, Roque said there is no reason to panic despite the inflation hitting a nine-year high of 6.4 percent in August 2018.

“This 6.4 is not unprecedented in our history. We have inflation rates of 7 percent. During GMA’s (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) time it was double digit and in GMA time it was only what? Eight years ago? So it’s not a reason to be – to have any sort of panic,” he said.

Roque assured that anti-inflationary measures are now in place to counter its impact, including such social grants as the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), Unconditional Cash Transfer, and additional rice imports.

“We are addressing (it). But the results of the anti-inflationary measures that government is doing cannot be achieved overnight,” he said.