President Benigno S. Aquino’s efforts to provide a stark difference in the presidency, and new hope and trust in government were not left unnoticed early on in his administration.
A survey conducted by the Philippine Information Agency showed that nearly 7 out of 10 Filipinos gave the President a good starting score for his first 100 days in office despite a botched hostage crisis and the jueteng controversy.
The survey, which was conducted a week before the President marked his 100 days in office, showed that 69 percent of respondents across all geographical areas and sectors were satisfied with the Aquino administration’s initial performance while only 31 per cent were dissatisfied.
The same survey also showed that Filipinos perceive the President’s credibility and simple lifestyle, good governance and strong political will, and fight against graft and corruption as his strongest marks as a leader.
Sec. Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) credited this to the President’s unwavering commitment to good and honest leadership as embodied in his campaign slogan “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.”
He added that President Aquino is focused on the work ahead and remains committed to eradicate corruption and alleviate poverty.
The policy against the use of wang-wang or sirens on the road earned for the Chief Executive highest satisfaction rating of +82. He was also rated highly for ensuring transparency (+74) and fighting graft and corruption (+52).
President Aquino gained a good rating of +34 both for reducing the budget deficit and investigating officials linked to anomalies, +28 for controlling dengue, while recording moderate ratings in the areas of jobs and livelihood (+14), education (+10), Cabinet appointments (+9), and public-private partnerships (+6).
About half of Filipinos rated the administration fairly for its efforts to alleviate poverty and control the spiraling prices of basic commodities.
On the other hand, only 17 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the government’s handling of the Manila hostage crisis last August 23 where eight Hong Kong tourists died and which made international news.
The PIA poll was fielded nationwide with 629 respondents from various sectors,including elected and appointed government officials, business groups, religious leaders, uniformed men, laborers, and members of the media. (PIA)