Riding high

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.
According to Pulse Asia’s latest survey, the Philippines’ top two leaders (President Benigno Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar Binay) are still enjoying majority of the Filipinos’ trust.
Conducted in December last year, the poll showed Binay with an approval rating of 80 percent and Aquino with 73 percent.
While the figures represent satisfaction from 3 out of 4 Filipinos, Aquino’s ratings slipped by 6 percent (it was 79 percent in September) last year.
The survey comes at the heels of a series of dilemmas hounding the Aquino administration, which have put it on the defensive: the rehabilitation of after Typhoon Haiyan slammed into Central Philippines, the word war between DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, the resignation of Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, the investigation of fake SAROs in the release of funds for agri-projects, and the power rate hike.
“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,” President Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
Coloma said the Aquino administration and cabinet members are rolling up their sleeves, determined to vigorously implement the major programs of the Philippine Development Plan in 2014.
VP Binay is grateful for the people’s sustained trust and appreciation for of his work in the past three years.
He welcomed the poll results, saying it inspires him to work harder to improve the lives of the people and provide them the kind of service that they deserve.
While controversies have mushroomed at the end of 2013, both Aquino and Binay managed to score favorable ratings from Filipinos.
Two different leaders, but both effective according to survey results. How did these two very distinctive men work together?
It turns out, their political skills and personalities allowed them to develop mutual respect and reasonable compromises.
The people’s support is essential to any leader. After all, they are the ones who exercise their right to vote and to choose their leaders.
On the other hand, an elected leader has the capabilities to make crucial decisions and to represent the hopes and interests of every Filipino.
A leader should not stop improving, just because he receives high approval ratings. They are not permanent and challenges are still bound to come, along the way.
For now, both Aquino and Binay should remain focused on the tasks ahead of them.
(AJPress)