Palace lauds Aquino’s ‘good’ ratings in survey

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Palace gave itself a pat on the back on Thursday after the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that the public remained satisfied with President Benigno Aquino III’s performance.

“The results of the Fourth Quarter 2013 Social Weather Survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) make it evident: The Filipino people continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Aquino administration,” Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

The survey, conducted from December 11 to 16, showed that Aquino’s net satisfaction rating was still a “good” +49, as compared to three months ago. A majority of the respondents (69 percent) said they were satisfied with the President’s work while 21 percent said otherwise.

“In lieu of the usual naysayers trying to promote the impression that there is a general dissatisfaction among the Filipino people, the survey shows that an overwhelming majority in Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as a healthy majority in Metro Manila, are solidly with the President,” Lacierda added.

While Aquino’s performance was rated “very good” in Visayas, Mindanao and the rest of Luzon, his net satisfaction score in Metro Manila dropped to a “moderate” +22 from a “good” +38 in September.

The presidential spokesperson said Aquino made “tough but necessary decisions” during the last few months, especially during the conflict in Zamboanga City, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol and the onslaught of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” in Eastern Visayas and nearby provinces.

He said the result of the survey was a reassurance that the Filipino people continue to stand behind the president.

“They believe in his leadership, founded on efficiency, firmness, and foresight,” he said.

Lacierda, on behalf of the Office of the President, thanked the people for being “unswayed by mere politicking.

“Their discerning facts from spin means the momentum of inclusive growth and change will continue unabated as we enter the final stretch of the President’s term,” he said.

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