Aquino remains most trusted, highest rated official in Q1

MANILA, Philippines – The recent Pulse Asia Research, Inc. survey revealed that President Benigno Aquino III is the highest rated and most trusted top government official in the first quarter of 2016.

The president was the most trusted official with 49 percent from 53 percent in December 2015. He was also the most trusted government official in the second half of 2015. Moreover, Aquino obtained the highest approval rating despite going down from 55 percent in December 15 to 52 percent in March.

Based on the survey, 51 percent of respondents from Luzon approve of the president’s performance, 59 percent from Visayas and 58 percent from Mindanao. For the social classes, 58 percent of Class E and half of the Class D appreciated Aquino’s performance while Classes ABC expressed indecision on the matter.

Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay’s approval rating, on the other hand, declined from 52 percent in December 2015 to 46 percent. His trust rating also slid from 49 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015 to 44 percent this March.

The approval rating of Senate Franklin Drilon was also at 46 percent  - five points lower from his December 2015 rating, while his trust rating also fell from 47 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015 to 42 percent in March.

Meanwhile, 48 percent of respondents were undecided with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte’s performance as his approval rating was at 30 percent, a one-point increase from his previous rating. His trust rating also increased from 24 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015 to 27 this March.

About 46 percent of Filipinos were also undecided with Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno’s performance even if her approval rating went up from 29 to 31 percent. Her trust rating also rose by 5 points from her previous 25 percent rating.

The survey was conducted from March 12 to 18, with 1,800 respondents, mostly registered voters 18 years old and above nationwide. The survey has a ± 2 percent error margin.

The survey period covers the decision of the Supreme Court on the disqualification cases against Sen. Grace Poe, the first presidential debate, as well as the investigation on the $81-million banking heist, among others.