By SAMMY JULIAN
Manila News Bureau Chief
MANILA – Despite the latest drop in President Benigno Aquino III’s public trust and approval ratings, Malacañang remain steadfast in its belief that “a healthy plurality” is supportive of the Chief Executive.
“We believe just as the President has explained the real situation of the country, the public will respond accordingly,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.
In a Pulse Asia survey conducted last month, the President’s approval rating fell to 56 percent from 70 percent in March while his trust rating decreased to 53 percent from 69 percent. These were reportedly Aquino’s lowest grades in his four years in office.
With the latest drop in Aquino’s survey ratings, the Palace has affirmed its commitment to step up efforts to promote inclusive growth, infrastructure development, job generation and poverty reduction.
“We are resolutely determined to meet most of the priority goals in terms of economic growth, social protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and institutional reforms,” Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.
Coloma said good governance reforms will also be “pursued and intensified.”
“In this way, public institutions will be strengthened; the ethos of citizen-oriented service will take root more firmly among civil servants and public officials,” he said. /PN
