Palace: Recent SWS survey shows Filipinos ‘felt genuine, meaningful change’

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday welcomed a recent survey which found that majority of Filipinos rated their lives positively, saying it showed that the “people have felt genuine and meaningful change.”

READ: 86% of Pinoys rated their life positively in Q4 2018 – SWS

“While the the Chief Executive has given priority to the improvement of peace and order in the country, it cannot be disregarded that he has also laid the foundation that will propel the nation to progress and reach new heights,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“It therefore gives us encouragement that almost all Filipinos, whether here or abroad, have universally recognized the bold strides undertaken by the President and his Administration to pursue sociodevelopment programs that are not only inclusive but are also sustainable,” he added.

Panelo underscored how the administration “worked tirelessly” to “lift millions of our people from poverty and bring a comfortable life for all.”

He then hit President’s critics who he said “deliberately ignored” such efforts of the administration.

“They have chosen to focus on (President Rodrigo Duterte)’s fiery rhetorics, particularly with regard to his relentless campaign against illegal substance,” the Palace official said.

Panelo noted that the President has signed long-pending bills and issued executive measures to uplift the general welfare of the public in terms of education and health, among others.

The presidential spokesman also took note of Duterte’s signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which aims to transform Mindanao from “an island of promise” to “an island of fulfillment.”

The Duterte administration, Panelo added, has also extended help to overseas Filipino workers through the government’s repatriation program.

He further said that the Philippines has become “one of the strongest economies and growth leaders in the region” under Duterte’s leadership.

“These shall be the bedrock of the Duterte legacy in the remainder of his term and the Filipino people can expect that we will not rest nor will we tire until all our taxpayers are convinced that they are getting their money’s worth,” Panelo said. /je