mmalabanan
Following the bloody Mamasapano incident that left more than 60 people dead including 44 SAF members, President Benigno Aquino III’s approval rating plunged down to its lowest since he assumed Presidency in 2010.
On Tuesday, the latest Pulse Asia Research survey showed the President’s approval rating dropped by 21 percent from 59% in November 2014 to 38% in March this year. On the other hand, his trust rating fell down by 20 percent rom 56% to 36% over the same period.
Pulse Asia Research Director Dr. Ana Maria Tabunda revealed: “This is the first time the President has posted non-majority national approval and trust ratings in Ulat ng Bayan surveys since he was first rated as president by survey respondents back in October 2010.”
As for Aquino’s disapproval rating, the figure rose from 11% in November to 23% this month indicating that around one in every 4 Filipinos distrusts and is critical of the country’s commander-in-chief.
“Around one in 4 Filipinos is critical of presidential performance (23%) and distrusts him (27%),” Tabunda added.
To obtain the results, Pulse Asia surveyed 1,200 Filipino adults from March 1 to 7. During this period, investigations of the Mamasapano operations dominated the news. The survey also took place prior to the release of the findings of the police Board of Inquiry.
Furthermore, other significant events that occurred before the survey period include the retirement of several Comelec officials, coup rumours against the Aquino administration, the current all-out offensive of the military against the BIFF, as well as the resumption of Senate hearings against Vice President Jejomar Binay.
The latest Pulse Asia survey also showed 39% of the respondents were indecisive on the President’s performance, while 37% expressed indecision whether or not to trust Aquino.
Pulse Asia’s poll has plus-or-minus 6 percent margin of error.
As of writing, the Palace has not issued a statement regarding the results of the survey.
