Palace admits ‘controversies’ affecting ‘tuwid na daan’ perception

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — While pointing out that the recent Pulse Asia poll showing split position on President Benigno Aquino III’s “tuwid na daan” campaign could not be contextualized because of a lack of prior surveys, Malacañang on Monday admitted that it was probably influenced by the controversies faced by the administration.

“This is the first time [this kind of survey was conducted] and coming from the hills of the recent controversies, the recent difficulties that the administration is experiencing, of course it is a snapshot of the prevailing environment or environmental landscape when the survey was taken. There would be an impact on the response of the people,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a mix of Filipino and English during a televised press briefing.

The latest Pulse Asia survey showed that only three in 10 Filipinos or 29 percent of the 1,200 respondents believed that Aquino delivered on his promise of a “tuwid na daan (straight path).” Meanwhile, 36 percent said Aquino failed while 34 percent remained undecided.

Lacierda insisted that it would be “difficult for (them) to contextualize” the results because they do not know the sentiments of the people before the survey.

“Is it lower? Is it higher?” he asked.

While only 29 percent said they agree with Aquino’s campaign, 34 percent said they were undecided, “which means they have an open mind,” Lacierda explained.

He did not elaborate what the controversies and difficulties were although he mentioned the particular issues hounding the nation while the survey was being conducted.

The said issues were Aquino’s request for emergency powers amid the looming power crisis, the transmittal of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to Congress, calls for Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purisima to resign amid prevalence of crimes involving policemen, the foiled bombing attempt at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the ongoing Senate probe on the alleged overpriced Makati City Hall Building 2, Albay Governor Joey Salceda’s call to impeach Vice President Jejomar Binay, the junking of impeachment complaints against Aquino, and the suspension of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile.

Lacierda declined to comment on whether Aquino’s defense of Purisima has taken a toll on the administration.

“The President also said he’s not exonerating General Purisima. All he’s saying is that let’s give the person a chance to defend himself, and he’s doing that and he will be doing that,” he said.

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