A PALACE official said that the January 25 counterterrorist operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao and recent media reports might have contributed to the dip in the satisfaction rating of President Benigno Aquino III, as shown in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.
BACKSTORY: SWS: Aquino satisfaction rating hits all-time low
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In an interview aired over “News to Go” on Monday, Communications Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said that the decline in the President’s satisfaction rating is mostly “media related.”
“A significant factor which contributed to the decline in the satisfaction rating of the President is the Mamasapano clash in Maguindanao last January 25. We also recognize that public opinion surveys are based on information from the media being read and consumed by the country’s citizens. In our view, (the decline in the President’s rating) is mostly media-related,” Coloma said in Filipino.
He asked the media to cooperate with the government in sharing factual information to Filipinos.
“We are hoping that through disseminating correct and truthful information, Filipinos can thoroughly understand the position of the government,” he added.
The Palace sees the results of the latest SWS survey as glass half-full, saying that the satisfaction rating recorded in the SWS survey is still higher than the approval rating of the President in the Pulse Asia survey which was conducted three weeks earlier.
READ: Palace: Filipinos still believe in Aquino despite plunging satisfaction rating
According to the SWS survey, the net satisfaction rating of the President has plunged to a record low, +11 points from +39 points last December.
The President’s satisfaction rating has plunged across all geographical areas and socioeconomic classes.
On its end, Aquino has not yet apologized for the Mamasapano raid but only asked the public’s understanding. However, in numerous national speeches, he has claimed responsibility on the bungled operation. AC
READ: Aquino stops short of ‘sorry,’ asks for understanding