Noy’s high ratings to boost Mar’s chances – lawmakers

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino’s consistently high approval and trust ratings will boost the presidential bid of Liberal Party candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, congressmen said yesterday.

“P-Noy’s high approval and trust numbers are a reflection of Roxas’ chances in 2016. The people obviously appreciate what this administration has done and therefore, Roxas’ battle cry of continuity completely makes sense,” Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said.

He said the administration’s accomplishments, especially in fighting graft and corruption and sustaining economic growth, “will propel Mar Roxas to victory.”

“Like P-Noy, who was catapulted to power amid the people’s search for an honest leader in 2010, Roxas is cast in the same mold,” he said.

Another congressman, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, said the President’s high ratings “mean that P-Noy enjoys the support of majority of our people, contrary to what his critics claim.”

“Such wide popular support will mean a lot to the candidates he is endorsing, from the national level down to the local level,” he said.

For his part, Rep. Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar said Aquino’s high ratings “will certainly have a big impact on the candidacy of Mar, his preferred successor.”

“The endorsement of a credible and outstanding President will definitely matter in 2016,” he said.

Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas said Aquino’s survey numbers show that the people “want continuity.”

“And he trusts no one else but Mar Roxas to continue what he has started. He even vowed to go all out to campaign for Mar because he absolutely believes in him,” he said.

Pulse Asia’s third quarter survey, conducted from Sept. 8 to 14, showed the President received a 54 percent approval rating, which is the same as his rating in June.

For trust, Aquino received a 49 percent rating in September, which is just one point below the 50 percent score in June.

In contrast, the ratings of Vice President Jejomar Binay fell by two digits.

Barzaga said Aquino maintained his high numbers despite consistent attacks from Binay and other presidential and vice presidential candidates.

He said the people have realized the effective programs of the administration, such as the financial assistance to poor families under the conditional cash transfer program, massive construction of school buildings, numerous infrastructure projects and expanded PhilHealth insurance coverage.

He chided Aquino’s critics for criticizing the President when he asked members of the ruling Liberal Party and other administration allies to campaign for Roxas first before attending to their political concerns “to ensure continuity in the next six years.”