MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Has President Benigno Aquino III been faithful to his promise of adhering to a straight and narrow path? More Filipinos think Aquino has failed to do so than those who do.

Results from a Pulse Asia survey released on Monday, October 13, showed that 36% of Filipinos feel Aquino has not adhered to his tuwid na daan (straight and narrow path) policy, which has been the administration’s tag line.

The slogan aimed to emphasize that Aquino’s governance is transparent, prioritizes the people, and is free of corruption.

Only 29% said they felt Aquino has fulfilled his promise, while 34% said they were undecided. The same trend of split opinion was observed across the country in Metro Manila, and among Class D and Class E respondents.

But an even bigger number of Filipinos among other groups felt that Aquino has strayed from his policy with 45% sharing this view in Luzon, and 45% among Class ABC. Meanwhile in the Visayas, 43% are still undecided.

Only Mindanao bucked the trend with 43% saying they believed the President fulfilled his promise as the country’s leader in following the straight path.

Reacting to the survey, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said it is hard to contextualize the results since there have not been past surveys to compare the results to.

Lacierda also called on the the 34%, whom he said still have “an open mind, still seeing the developments that our President will be doing and has been doing.”

“Again, like any survey, this is a snapshot and we will continue to do our mandate in providing service to our countrymen,” he said.

The nationwide survey was conducted from September 8-15 through face to face interviews with 1,200 adults.

Important developments during the survey period include the Senate investigation into the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building 2, where it was alleged that Vice President Jejomar Binay received kickbacks from; the junking of 3 impeachment complaints against Aquino; the suspension of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile while he is probed for his alleged involvement in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam; Aquino’s request for emergency powers to address an impending energy crisis; the transmittal of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) draft to Congress; and Aquino’s defense of Philippine National Police Chief Director General Alan Purisima amid calls for his resignation because of an increase in crimes and corruption allegations. – Rappler.com