Exasperated

IN any business, feedback is an essential tool in determining success. A good businessman would know that for his business to really succeed, he must know what his customer base thinks about his products and services.
Since time immemorial, Pres. Benigno Aquino III has made “tuwid na daan” (straight path) as his leadership’s mantra. In his early years as President, Aquino enjoyed endless accolades from his political peers and foreign observers for his ingenuity in restoring the Filipinos’ faith in the government.
Aquino once said that the Philippines is ready to ride the tides of progress and can’t wait until these achievements trickle down to every Filipino. Economically speaking, there is no denying that the country is traversing a promising direction. But for some reason there are still things that pull Filipinos back.
With less than two years left in his administration, Aquino is again faced with another hump in his “tuwid na daan.”
In a poll conducted by Pulse Asia from Sept. 8-15, results showed that only three in 10 Filipinos (29 percent out of 1,200 respondents) believe that the “tuwid na daan” governance has fulfilled its promise.
The results further showed that four in 10 Filipinos (36 percent) believe that the execution of the “tuwid na daan” government policy has failed, while three in 10 Filipinos (34 percent) are ambivalent on the matter.
Malacañang allayed the recent survey, saying that the results are difficult to contextualize.  Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that this type of survey is a first of its kind and came at a time when controversies have mushroomed, hounding the Aquino administration.
Among issues that topped the headlines when the survey was conducted were: the ongoing Senate investigation into reported overpricing in the Makati City Hall Building II, corruption allegations on Vice Pres. Binay and his family, the passage of Bangsamoro Law, ardent calls for the resignation of Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima and crimes involving policemen, port congestion in Manila, and the endless woes experienced by Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 passengers.
Other issues that are directed to Aquino during the survey are his request for emergency powers due to the looming energy crisis next year, talks of Charter change and term extension for the President and his recent visits to Europe and the US.
It is unfair to discount Aquino’s four-year leadership and question the effectiveness of “tuwid na daan” policy after just one survey. Using the views of 1,200 respondents out of 100 million Filipinos is not enough basis either.
But for Aquino to rise about political roadblocks and the jeers from his critics, he must listen to his bosses—the Filipino citizenry. He may still manage to draw some cheers by outlining his intentions and revealing his action plan for the country in his remaining time as President.
Looking at these current results will give him a clue on what the demographic is looking for. The next step would be to implement necessary adjustments.
(AJPress)