Duterte’s sustained popularity seen boosting allies’ bid for Congress seat
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte’s sustained popularity could boost his allies’ bid for seats in Congress, increasing the likelihood that his administration’s fiscal reform agenda could hurdle the legislature, a global bank said.
According to a March 28 to 31 Social Weather Stations survey of 1,440 Filipino adults, net public satisfaction with Duterte stood at “very good” +66 in the first quarter, up six points from “very good” +60 registered in the preceding three months.
This is Duterte’s highest net satisfaction rating since he took office in 2016.
Commenting on the new SWS poll, Japan-based Nomura said the spike in Duterte’s satisfaction score ahead of the midterm elections in May could strengthen his political clout in Congress and fast-track the enactment of key fiscal reforms.
“An improvement in his popularity has been sustained, and we think it could boost his support base in Congress,” Nomura said in a commentary.
“This implies a rising likelihood of his allies retaining a strong majority in Congress, which, in turn, should support the fiscal reform agenda during the second half his six-year term,” it added.
Twelve of the 24 Senate seats, as well as all lower house seats and all elected posts of local government units are up for grabs on May 13.
The widely popular Duterte had thrown his weight behind his comprehensive tax reform program, which aims to fund an ambitious infrastructure program projected to supercharge economic growth to 7%-8% by the end of his term in 2022.
But only two of up to five tax reform packages have so far been enacted.
Tax reforms awaiting legislative action include those proposing to reduce the corporate income tax rate and remove redundant tax incentives and simplify the tax structure of the financial sector, among others. — Ian Nicolas Cigaral
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