MANILA, July 18 — Two ranking leaders in the House of Representatives commended the result of a new Pulse Asia survey showing President Rodrigo Duterte as the most appreciated government official with 82 percent approval rating.
In a statement on Tuesday, House appropriations committee chair Karlo Nograles said President Duterte’s leadership has inspired the country to become more hopeful, especially the poor Filipinos who “are clearly brimming with hope for a better life.”
“This marked optimism of the Filipinos should pave the way to reach our collective dream of becoming a peaceful and progressive nation,” Nograles said.
“We should seize the momentum,” he added.
Conducted on June 24 to 29, the survey showed the Chief Executive improving in his approval rating from 78 percent in March to 82 percent in June. He received the highest rating among the top government officials included in the survey.
“This is no longer the time to oppose and to rebel. More than ever, this is the time for Filipinos to unite under the most trusted and most appreciated presidency,” Nograles said.
For his part, House dangerous drugs committee chair Robert Ace Barbers said the increased approval and trust rating of the President is an indication that he still draws support from the public.
“The results only prove that the Duterte Administration remains resolute despite various controversies. Admittedly, there are those who do not approve of the President’s style. But the fact that his trust rating recovered from 78 percent to 82 percent only shows that majority of Filipinos believe in him,” said Barbers.
“I am also very pleased that the President’s rating rose in the face of martial law in Mindanao. It may be an unpopular decision for some, but for us Mindanaoans, we are certain that the martial law will bring peace to our homeland,” Barbers added.
The survey was conducted a month after Duterte declared martial law and suspended the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao as clashes between the government troops and the ISIS-linked Maute group erupted on May 23. (FMC/PNA)
