MANILA, Philippines - The approval and trust ratings of Vice President Jejomar Binay may have plunged because of his resignation from the Aquino Cabinet, Malacañang said Thursday.
In a press briefing, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said this is the first survey assessing Binay's performance as a non-member of the Cabinet.
"Ito 'yung unang survey na kung saan siya ay hindi na miyembro ng Gabinete bagkus siya ay nag-deklara na siya ay lider ng oposisyon," Coloma said.
"Kaya't makatwiran lamang na pansinin na sa ganyang pagbabago ng kanyang estado from Cabinet member to leader of the opposition ay nagkaroon ng ganyan ring pagbabago sa pagtutuos ng mga mamamayan ng kanyang performance o satisfaction rating," he added.
According to the new Pulse Asia survey, Binay's approval rating declined from 58 percent in June to 43 percent in September. His trust rating also fell from 57 percent to 39 percent during the same period.
President Benigno Aquino III maintained his 54-percent approval rating while his trust rating slightly dipped from 50 percent in June to 49 percent in September.
Coloma thanked Filipinos for their continued trust in the president.
"Pag-iibayuhin ang pagpupunyagi para makapaghatid ng pagbabago at pag-unlad sa kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino sa mga nalalabing buwan ng termino ng administrasyon," Coloma said.