Duterte’s sincerity, not being fake, reasons behind his high ratings – Nograles

President Duterte is no Superman but has shown sincere leadership in addressing the challenges arising from coronavirus pandemic head-on, according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles.

The President’s genuine governance and “no-filter” public address during these trying times probably helped

him earn the high public trust and approval ratings in a recent survey, Nograles said.

“Hindi naman talaga siya Superman pero nakikita ng mga kababayan natin na talagang sumusubok siya, naghahanap ng paraan, at gumagawa ng paraan at mabilis ang aksyon (He is not really Superman but the people have seen that he really tries, he find ways, and implement measures and delivers swift action),” Nograles said during a forum on Facebook Saturday.

“Palagay ko dahil sa sincerity at honesty na ‘yan, dun talaga ang taumbayan. Tuwing nagsasalita ang Pangulo, nakikinig, nanood ang tao. Nararamdaman at nakikita nila. Hindi nafe-fake ‘yun, kumbaga hindi napepeke. At hindi siya talaga peke (I think because of that sincerity and honesty, the public appreciates that. Whenever the President speaks, the people watch and listen. They feel and see his efforts. That cannot be faked. He really is not fake),” he sad.

In a recent Pulse Asia survey, the President’s public approval rating increased to 91 percent in September from 87 percent in December. His trust rating also jumped to 91 percent from 83 percent during the same period.

The President’s latest high popularity score came as the government implements the response and recovery efforts in the face of the pandemic. The government has relaxed the coronavirus lockdown but stepped up health measures to contain the pandemic, which has left more than 336,000 people infected and 6,238 dead.

With his public engagements limited due to the pandemic, Duterte has resorted to delivering a weekly public address after holding a closed-door meeting with some Cabinet members who serve at the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) on the pandemic response.

In his remarks, Nograles said the President’s “heart” is shown whenever he appears on state television to update the nation about pandemic response and other issues. He said Duterte has stayed authentic and does not hide his emotions, citing instances when he showed dismay or admitted difficulty in dealing with a problem.

“Nakita ng mga kababayan ang sinseridad niya. Nararamdam nila na si Pangulo ay talagang nagdadamdam at nararamdaman niya ‘yung nararamdaman ng ating mga kababayan at ginagawa niya ang lahat para matugon ang pangangailangan at naghahanap siya ng mga paraan kung paano makatulong (The people can see the President’s sincerity. They believe the President feels what the people are experiencing and he’s doing everything to address their needs and find ways on how to help),” he said.

“Nakita ang puso ni Pangulo na every time na lalabas siya sa telebisyon at kumustahin ang bayan at kausapin ang bayan (The President’s heart is seen every time he shows up on television and addresses the nation),” he said.

Nograles, a former Davao congressman, also said the people seemed to prefer government leaders with sincerity rather than those with pretensions.

“Baka ‘yung mga ibang mga lider mga nagpapanggap eh sawa na siguro ang tao sa ganyang pagpapanggap (Maybe other leaders may be pretending. The people are apparently fed up with pretensions),” he said.

“Hinahanap ng tao walang pakyeme-kyeme, walang filter, walang paarte-arte. ‘Kausapan ninyo kami, ano ba talaga’ (The people look for leaders without pretensions, without filter. ‘Talk to us and tell us what’s the real score’),” he said.