P’Noy ratings plunge over doubts on corruption efforts

President Benigno S. Aquino (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

MANILA – Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s performance ratings are at their lowest ever, due to the growing belief that he is not making serious enough efforts in the fight against corruption, according to two independent poll bodies.

A survey taken in June 2014 by independent pollster Pulse Asia revealed that Aquino’s approval rating fell from 70 percent in March of the same year to 56 percent. His trust rating likewise dropped from 69 percent to 53 percent within the same time frame.

Survey group Social Weather Stations likewise conducted a poll last month, which showed that Aquino’s overall satisfaction ratings plunged from 45 percent in March to a meager 25 percent. This is the president’s lowest ranking ever, with his highest rating being in August 2012, at 67 percent.

In a television interview, Pulse Asia research director Ana Maria Tabunda said: “This is the largest decline in both approval and trust and it’s also his lowest performance thus far.”

Edwin Lacierda, presidential spokesman, admitted to what he calls a “dip in enthusiasm” but said that the rankings are no reason to be alarmed.

“These numbers can be considered par for the course or average for this period,” he said. “A healthy majority has expressed trust and confidence in the president.”

The plummeting rankings reveal the people’s widespread disenchantment with Aquino – elected into office on a promise of good governance and an anti-graft stance – at a of time of rampant corruption in government.

Although Aquino has enjoyed high approval and trust ratings in the past, his highest was at 80 percent in early 2012, his current standing could fall even lower as issues surrounding the controversial Developmental Acceleration Program (DAP) fund come to light.