THE numbers are in his favor as it seems that majority of Filipinos are looking forward to the next six years of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership and are eager to see the changes he had promised.
In a Social Weather Station (SWS) poll conducted from June 24 to 27, 84 percent of 1,200 adults or 8 in 10 Filipinos surveyed gave Duterte “much trust.” Only five percent said they had “little trust” on the president, while 11 percent were undecided.
The SWS classifies net trust ratings of at least +70 as “excellent”; +50 to +69 as “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; and -70 and below as “execrable.”
Duterte received excellent rating across the board: +87 from Filipino college graduates, +81 from college undergraduates, +74 from those who reached high school, and +76 from those who did not finish elementary.
“It’s a positive sign and very encouraging to know that the people trust the judgment, decisions and actions of the President,” presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar told reporters in a text message. “The mandate is clear, the government cannot stop what it has started,” he said.
“I’m sure he would appreciate the trust and he would say, if I know him, na ‘trabaho lang ‘yan (that’s just my job), that’s part of the job and that we will continue to do our part,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.
The Filipino’s support is essential to any leader. They are after all, who voted him into office. On the other hand, Duterte now plays a central role in every Filipino’s life. In the next six years, he is expected to shape the system, make crucial decisions, and represent the hopes and interests of every Filipino.
By definition, a good politician is someone who does a good job at being a leader and representing his people’s best interests. Through polls, not only are leaders’ performance projected through approval ratings. These numbers also represent the dynamics of Philippine politics, a gauge whether it is progressing or regressing.
This new level of confidence from Filipinos is enough to show that the government is on a good start. But these numbers do not warrant him or the government complacency. These results only represent how promising their governance will further go. Factors that might take a toll on his standing are yet to come.
After all, good politicians should know that serving a representative democracy means embracing challenges and opportunities that the post offers them. (AJPress)
