Palace unfazed by Duterte’s rating fall

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang was unfazed by a recent survey that showed President Duterte’s satisfaction rating dropping to a new low in the second quarter, but officials vowed to work double-time to attain economic growth and curb the country’s social ills.

A nationwide Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from June 27 to 30 found 65 percent of adult Filipinos satisfied and 20 percent dissatisfied with Duterte’s performance for a net satisfaction score of +45.

While the score was still considered “good,” it was lower by 11 points than the “very good” +56 recorded in March and his +48 “good” rating in September 2017.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque shrugged off the poll results, saying Duterte does not work to raise his popularity ratings.

“Our President does not govern for the ratings. He is fulfilling his promise and his promise is simple: anti-corruption, anti-illegal drugs and a more comfortable life for everyone,” Roque told radio dzRH yesterday.

Roque said Duterte’s numbers are still higher compared to his predecessors.

“If we compare his numbers with those of his predecessors for the same period of time, after the second year, he is still ahead,” the spokesman said.

“Besides, his rating is not bad. The people are still satisfied,” he added.

Roque claimed that the government had commissioned a survey with “different” findings but did not elaborate.

“Regardless of numbers, we assure everyone that the President and the members of his Cabinet would continue to work double-time in bringing the fruits of a better and more inclusive economy, and in strengthening the government’s drive against illegal drugs, crime and corruption,” he added.

Last Tuesday, Duterte said survey ratings no longer interest him.

“I do not care. Make it 15. Wala na ako dyan (It no longer matters to me). It does not interest me at all,” the President told reporters in Pampanga.

“I just coast along. Just traveling... and with the new suggestion since I’m not popular anymore, Congress might decide to find a popular one. You want a popular president? Fine. Good,” he added.

The 11-point drop in Duterte’s approval ratings in just a quarter should prompt him to be more focused on addressing the problems confronting the nation and ordinary Filipinos, senators said yesterday.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said the drop in Duterte’s ratings was expected and his remaining 65 percent rating was “still very good.”

“The first job of the President is to unite our people. Federalism will further divide us, may even destroy whatever economic gains we have achieved,” he said. Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV said the plunge in Duterte’s ratings was “a cry for help from the Filipino people amid the rising prices of goods due to the government’s tax reform program.” – With Paolo Romero, Delon Porcalla, Marvin Sy