All Cebu lawmakers, Gwen top survey

CEBU, Philippines — All 11 congressional representatives from Cebu, landed in the top ten outstanding legislators list, with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia securing the most outstanding governor post in Central Visayas, according to the latest Boses ng Bayan survey of RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD).

Seven Cebu legislators who landed on the top spot are fifth district Rep. Deputy Speaker Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco with 91.5 percent; third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia with 91.3 percent; first district Rep. Rhea Mae Gullas with 91.2 percent; Mandaue City Lone District Rep. Emmarie "Lolypop" Ouano-Dizon with 91.1 percent; Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Cindi King- Chan with 90.9 percent; Cebu City South District Rep. Edu Rama with 90.8 percent; and sixth district Rep. Daphne Lagon with 90.7 percent.

“With their nearly identical scores, these Representatives are all statistically tied for the top position, reflecting their constituents' high satisfaction and confidence in their leadership and dedication to public service,” RPMD said in a Facebook post.

Also on the list are fourth district Rep. Janice Salimbangon who landed on fourth place with a rating of 85.7 percent; seventh district Rep. Peter John Calderon on sixth place with 81.2 percent rating; and second district Rep. Edsel Galeos and Cebu City North District Rep. Marguerite Del Mar, who both secured the seventh rank, with 78.6 percent and 78.3 percent, respectively.

This survey, a vital component of the broader "Boses ng Bayan" initiative for the second quarter of 2024, drew insights from 10,000 respondents from July 1-10, each representing their respective constituencies.

With a 95 percent confidence level and a margin of error of +/-1%, the survey's findings offer a precise and authoritative gauge of public sentiment regarding the job performance of the region's representatives in congress.

“These results underscore the Representatives' pivotal role in shaping the future of the Central Visayas, highlighting their contributions to legislative progress and community welfare,” RPMD said.

Dr. Paul Martinez, a global affairs analyst and the executive director of RPMD lauded the Central Visayas representatives' remarkable performance and competitive spirit, especially the top-tier performers.

He emphasized that these high ratings are not just numbers but a clear reflection of the representatives' dedication to their constituents.

“Despite a relatively modest passing threshold of 52 percent, the Representatives of the Central Visayas exceeded expectations, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to public service and excellence,” Martinez said.

This nationwide effort focuses on the House of Representatives, where each district's representatives are meticulously assessed across three essential criteria: district representation, legislative performance, and constituent service.

Meanwhile, in this extensive RPMD survey, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia emerged as the top in effective leadership in Central Visayas, securing a commanding job satisfaction rating of 94.5 percent from her constituents.

Governor Chaco Sagarbarria of Negros Oriental and Governor Jake Villa of Siquijor, both nearly neck-and-neck with ratings of 91.2 percent and 90.8 percent, respectively.

Governor Erico Aumentado of Bohol also showcased strong leadership with a score of 88.6 percent.

“The RPMD's methodology in this survey is rigorous and comprehensive. It assesses each governor on various crucial aspects, including legal and ethical compliance, strategic vision and execution, decision-making process, fiscal management, crisis response capabilities, and initiatives in public service enhancement, community engagement, and economic and social development,” RPMD said.

Martinez underscored the importance of this survey in reinforcing accountability and fostering improvements in governance.

He pointed to Governor Garcia's performance as a clear indicator of the effective management and trust she commands among her constituents.

Martinez further elaborated that these results reflect the community's sentiments and serve as a crucial barometer for public satisfaction and approval across the board.

“This robust mechanism is essential for scrutinizing the performance of provincial governors, thereby ensuring transparency, accountability, and the continual enhancement of governance and public service across the Philippines,” RPMD further stated. — /ATO (FREEMAN)