Satisfaction with Aquino gov’t dropping since PDAF exposé

MANILA, Philippines – The satisfaction ratings of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III continue to drop a year after the the multi-billion-peso pork barrel scam was exposed.

The net satisfaction rating of the administration is down to 45% in March from 51% in December and 56% in September, according to survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS). Net satisfaction rating is the difference between the satisfaction rating and the dissatisfaction rating. 

“We note the survey results, and as always, whether it is good or bad for us, we will always strive to better our performance in ensuring that better services are provided to our countrymen,” Palace spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters on Wednesday, July 9.

Sixty-five percent of respondents said they were satisfied with the performance of the administration. It is down from 71% in the December 2013 survey, a significant drop considering the 3-point error margin.

The March survey shows that the bulk of the respondents previously “satisfied” with the administration have become “undecided.” Dissatisfied respondents were statistically unchanged from 19% in December to 20% in March. 

The undecided grew from 10% to 15%. 

It has been a downward trend since the the pork barrel scam exploded in July 2013. The scam involved lawmakers allegedly earning kickbacks for ensuring that their Priority Development Assistance Fund were channelled by executive agencies to bogus non-governmental organizations.

Before the uproar against the discretionary fund, the administration’s net satisfaction rating was 66% in June 2013. 

The 45% net satisfaction rating for March 2014 is still considered “good” by SWS.

SWS polled 1,200 respondents in March around the time the country was discussing hospital arrest for alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles.

The administration has been warned of worse ratings in the next polls. (READ: Belmonte is 1st admin stalwart to get negative SWS ratings)

The SWS survey also polled the performance of the administration based on specific issues. The administration enjoys “very good” ratings in providing basic elementary and high school education, helping victims of disasters, and helping the poor. 

It suffered “bad” ratings in resolving the Maguindanao massacre case, where around 50 persons, including local journalists, were killed in an election-related violence in 2009. 

 – Rappler.com