Cabinet ‘good’ rating a nod to govt’s taming of inflation

THE “good” rating that the Duterte Cabinet received in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey shows the people’s appreciation of the government’s efforts to address inflation, Malacañang said on Sunday.

The Cabinet’s net satisfaction rating in the SWS poll jumped by seven points, to +32 in September compared with June’s +25.

This was good for a “good” rating, a notch higher than the “moderate” one last quarter.

The survey was conducted from September 15 to 23.

In a statement, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said the timing of the survey said a lot about the government’s efforts to bring down prices, as well as the Filipinos’ perceptions of official actions of the Duterte administration on the issue.

“Since the survey was conducted during the month of September when inflation was at 6.7 percent, the findings tell us that our people, indeed, recognize and appreciate the efforts of the administration in stabilizing the prices of basic commodities and bringing a comfortable and dignified life for all,” Panelo added.

The 6.7 percent inflation rate was the highest in nine years.

Malacañang blamed rising oil prices in the world market as one of the main drivers of inflation, prompting the Duterte administration to float the possibility of suspending the second tranche of the fuel excise tax under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train) Law.

The possible suspension, however, will result in about P40 billion in revenue losses for the government, the Department of Finance said.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the record-high inflation was mainly brought about by the heavily weighted food and non-alcoholic beverages index, as well as alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

To address the rising inflation, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Administrative Order 13, which removes non-tariff barriers and streamlines administrative procedures on the importation of agricultural products; Memorandum Order 26, which directs the Departments of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to adopt measures to reduce gap between farmgate prices and retail prices of agricultural products; MO 27, which also directs the DA and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to adopt measures to ensure efficient and seamless delivery of imported agriculture and fishery products from ports to markets; and MO 28, which further directs the National Food Authority to immediately release existing rice stocks in its warehouses.

On Friday, Panelo voiced confidence that the Filipinos will experience a “disinflationary” trend this month.

Despite the higher net rating, he said, members of the Cabinet would not be complacent and will continue to work hard.

“Notwithstanding the favorable survey numbers, the members of the official family of the President will not grow complacent in addressing national issues, Panelo added.