Lawmakers cite performance for improved ratings

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the House of Representatives are citing their collective performance for the better public perception of their institution and their principal leader, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

Zamboanga City Rep. Ma. Isabelle Climaco said the improvement in the satisfaction ratings of Belmonte and the House “means they enjoy the trust and confidence of the public on the chamber’s agenda, decisions and activities.”

“We thank the people for their trust in the House. We have much to do. We realize our actions in legislation are relevant,” she said.

Pangasinan Rep. Gina de Venecia said the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey was taken at a time when she and her colleagues were tackling controversial issues like the impeachment of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez and the plea bargain deal she entered with former military comptroller Carlos Garcia.

“It might have been the perception of the public that the Speaker allowed the independence of House members in deciding on these issues,” she said.

Marikina Rep. Marcelino Teodoro said the 10-percent rise in the Speaker’s satisfaction rating “is a reflection of his stellar leadership in terms of the reforms he has been implementing in the House.”

“The Filipinos have spoken that their leaders are performing at par with their expectations. The ratings of the House as a whole reveal the appreciation of the public for the prioritization of bills and legislative actions of its members,” he said.

“This means that the public knows we are doing our job and are satisfied with the results. We represent the sentiments of our constituents as shown in the positive ratings in the survey,” he said.

For his part, Rep. Simeon Datumanong of Maguindanao, a member of the minority bloc, said the survey results “show the House has acted on meaningful measures.”

“I congratulate the leadership of Speaker Belmonte as I state that the minority did fiscalize but not obstruct nationally needed measures,” he said.

In assessing the improvement in Belmonte’s ratings, SWS chief Mahar Mangahas said, “Coming off a poorly rated past Speaker, people are relived. People are getting to know Speaker Belmonte better, and he comes off as a low-profile sort of Speaker.”

In the SWS survey taken last March 4-7, Belmonte’s net satisfaction rating jumped to a “moderate” +17 from a “neutral” +7 in the Nov. 27-30 poll.

The number of respondents satisfied with his performance rose to 40 percent from 33 percent in November, while those dissatisfied went down to 22 percent from 26 percent.

The House continued to keep its positive marks, netting a +30 in satisfaction rating.

In the Pulse Asia survey taken last Feb. 24 to March 6, Belmonte’s rating jumped to 50 percent from 45 percent in October, while his trust rating was a high 43 percent.