Satisfaction with Noy gov’t hits record 75% – SWS

MANILA, Philippines - Satisfaction with the performance of the Aquino administration hit a new record high in the second quarter of this year, according to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

Seven in 10 Filipinos or 75 percent expressed satisfaction with the government’s general performance while only nine percent were dissatisfied, for a net score of 66 (“very good”).

This was 13 points higher than the “very good” 53 (68 percent satisfied, 15 percent dissatisfied) recorded three months earlier, the SWS said.

Results of the latest SWS poll on the public’s satisfaction with the government’s performance were published in the newspaper BusinessWorld yesterday.

The survey was conducted in June, before the controversy on the P10-billion pork barrel scam broke out.

The government’s latest rating also surpassed the previous peak of 64 – also “very good” – recorded in September and November 2010, the SWS noted.

Satisfaction with the government improved across all regions, it said.

It rose to an “excellent” 76 in the Visayas, from 45 in March.

It also improved in Metro Manila (53) and balance Luzon (68) by 10 and 14 points, respectively. Both scores are classified as “very good.”

Mindanao’s rating, meanwhile, remained at “very good” 63.

By socioeconomic class, satisfaction with government was an “excellent” 71 among the class E, from a “very good” 60 previously.

It rose by 15 points but still “very good” 65 among the class D or “masa.”

However, satisfaction with the administration dropped by seven points to 61, but still “very good.”

The SWS categorizes net satisfaction ratings of 70 and above as “excellent”; 50 to 69, “very good”; 30 to 49, “good”; 10 to 29, “moderate”, 9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad’; -50 to -69, “very bad”; and -70 and below, “execrable.”

The Aquino government’s satisfaction scores remain substantially higher than its predecessors, the SWS said.

Big challenge

Malacañang said yesterday the sustained high popularity ratings of President Aquino for the past three years always pose a big challenge for the government to do better to keep the figures up.

“We will always be happy if the numbers are up,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told Palace reporters after a news briefing.

“But these are perception numbers. Regardless of what the numbers will be, the government is focused on addressing inclusive growth and corruption in the country,” he added.

Symbol of good governance

Lawmakers believe President Aquino would continue to enjoy high ratings if he sustains his good governance campaign amid the pork barrel scam.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, a stalwart of the National Unity Party, said Aquino won under his slogan “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.”

“The recent filing of cases against three senators and several congressmen is a concrete proof of the President’s campaign against graft and corruption and also public accountability,” Barzaga said.

“Moreover, the assurances of the Department of Justice that more charges will be filed against legislators reinforce the public’s trust and confidence in the President,” he said.

“As long as he doesn’t change his attitude and style, he will always be a symbol of good governance,” Isabela Rep. Rodito Albano III said.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe and Marikina City Rep. Romero Quimbo said the SWS survey showed Aquino’s “honest and sincere” leadership while House Deputy Majority Leader and Citizens Battle Against Corruption party-list Rep. Sherwin Tugna thinks “the people agree that President Aquino’s leadership is excellent.”

Other improvements

The SWS survey also showed improvements in the government’s scores in 14 key issues.

The government scored a “very good” 58 in terms of providing basic elementary and high school education, a new issue included in its June survey.- With Delon Porcalla, Paolo Romero