Pulse Asia: Duterte still most trusted

MANILA - The results of the latest Pulse Asia survey reported that President Rodrigo Duterte is still the highest rated and most trusted top government official in the third quarter of 2017.

According to the survey conducted from September 24 to 30, the Chief executive posted 80 percent ratings in trust and approval categories, slightly lower than his scores in the second quarter.

The Pulse Asia said Duterte's approval and trust ratings fell by just two-percentage points and one-percentage point, respectively, from his rating in the June 2017 ratings.

"Amid the various issues being faced by his administration, President Rodrigo R. Duterte manages to retain his big majority approval and trust ratings (both at 80 percent)," Pulse Asia said in a statement.

Only seven percent disapproved the President while six percent distrusts him.

The President posted the highest approval score in his bailiwick in Mindanao at 92 percent, followed by Visayas (86 percent),

Manila (76 percent), and Luzon (72 percent).

He also obtained majority approval ratings in Class E (86 percent), Class D (79 percent), and Class ABC (75 percent).

Duterte likewise secured the highest trust rating in Mindanao, which was recorded at 93 percent. It was followed by Visayas (86 percent), Manila (76 percent), and Luzon (72 percent).

Trust scores in Classes ABC, D, and E were also high at 74 percent, 80 percent, and 85 percent respectively.

Enormous approval

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella welcomed the public's “enormous” approval and trust conferred on Duterte, despite the “demolition job” against him and his family as well.

“The Palace welcomes the results of latest Pulse Asia’s nationwide survey on the performance and trust rating of top Philippine government officials,” Abella said in a press conference.

“Take note, the survey [was] conducted last September 24 to 30th, at the height of demolition job against the President, even implicating some members of the President’s family… It’s just an attempt to shake the foundation. But apparently, as the Pulse Asia rating has shown, there seems to be enormous amount of appreciation for the President,” he added.

During the conduct of Pulse Asia survey, Duterte’s son and son-in-law, Davao City Mayor Paolo Duterte and lawyer Manases Carpio, respectively, were accused of being behind the so-called “Davao Group” that was linked to the reported smuggling and corruption hounding the Bureau of Customs.