MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Pulse Asia survey says 3 out 4 Filipinos continue to support and trust President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, President Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. says.
The secretary, in a press briefing at Malacanang Palace, stated that the Philippines’ Chief Executive continues to enjoy said high approval rating at 73% in the Pulse Asia survey which was conducted between December 8 to 15, 2013, with a sample of 1,200 individuals all over the country.
On the other hand, in the Social Weather Stations (SWS) for the fourth quarter of 2013, the President’s rating remained high at 69%, the Communications Secretary said.
In the SWS survey for December 2013, 69% expressed satisfaction with the President’s performance.
“Considering the major challenges that were faced and hurdled by the administration during the period October to December 2013, we believe that the outcome of both the Pulse Asia and the SWS surveys are essentially positive and favorable for the President and the administration,” Coloma said.
The President received significantly higher ratings from respondents belonging to class E in both survey.
The President received significantly higher ratings from respondents in the rural areas. In the Pulse Asia survey, the approval rating among rural respondents was 79 % as compared to 67% in the urban areas.
In the SWS survey, the satisfaction rating among rural respondents was 75% as compared to 65% in urban areas.
Among the major issues at the time of the Pulse Asia survey were the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda and the rehabilitation efforts in its aftermath, the designation of former senator Panfilo Lacson as the rehabilitation czar, the resignation of Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, the investigation on fake SAROs, the word war between Manny Pacquiao and BIR Commissioner Kim Henares, and the Meralco rate hike.
