By: Genalyn D. Kabiling with reports from Hannah L. Torregoza
President Duterte’s honeymoon with the public has come to an end and his administration must work harder to deliver public service, a Palace official admitted following the record drop in his public satisfaction and trust ratings.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar recognized the latest survey results serve as the government’s “barometer” and “lighthouse” to guide its next course of action.
“The one-year honeymoon period of the President is over. Despite the end of the honeymoon period, the President’s satisfaction and public trust remain very good,” Andanar said.
“We accept this as a barometer, as a guide post for all of us in government to work harder, to focus on what we are doing and of course also to accept criticisms constructively,” he said. “And because this is a scientific survey, this will only be a guide for government to continue doing its programs for change,” he added.
Sen. Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero yesterday said the arrogant and insensitive actions of officials implementing the Duterte administration’s war on drugs are partly to be blamed for the decline in the Chief Executive’s satisfaction rating.
“Bawasan ng konti lalo na sa parte ng kanyang mga opisyal ung pagiging manhid, arogante, at tila walang pakialam.
Dapat maging sensitibo sila lalong lalo na buhay naman ng ating mga kababayan ang involved dito, tulak man o hindi,” Escudero said.
A Social Weather Stations survey, conducted from Sept. 23 to 27, showed the President’s net satisfaction rating plunging to +48 percent, classified as “good,” from +66 or “very good” last June. The net trust rating of Duterte also fell to +60 (very good), down 15 percentage points from June’s +75 “excellent.”