Malacañang on Thursday was elated at the results of the latest Social Weather Stations poll showing an 11-point increase in President Benigno Aquino III’s net satisfaction rating.
“This is a clear vote of confidence on the Aquino administration’s good governance advocacy that has brought about significant reforms,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.
READ: Aquino net satisfaction up by 11 points, highest since early 2014
He said the Palace is “grateful” to the Filipino people for “reaffirming their satisfaction with the President’s performance.”
“The Filipino people have acknowledged the tangible results of Daang Matuwid, in terms of improved quality of life, as a result of steady and sustainable economic growth for the past five years,” he claimed.
On Thursday, SWS released the results of its 2015 fourth quarter poll, which showed that Aquino’s net satisfaction rating rose to +41 from only +30 in March. It is the highest since the March 2014 survey which pegged net satisfaction for the President at +45.
Among presidents covered by the SWS’s non-commissioned survey, Aquino has enjoyed relatively high ratings near the end of his term. His net satisfaction ratings plunged to +11 in March this year after the controversial Mamasapano operation.
READ: Mamasapano sinks Aquino rating
Despite earlier stating that he will no longer discuss the issue, after talking about it in several of his speeches, Aquino on Thursday will again address the nation to supposedly close the issue.
The Mamasapano operation, which left 44 Special Action Force troopers dead, was seen by many as a major turning point for the Aquino administration. Some called it a crisis while his critics suggested that it will be Aquino’s downfall.