SWS: Duterte scores record-high public satisfaction rating after martial law declaration

Public satisfaction over President Rodrigo Duterte's performance grew during the second quarter of the year despite his controversial martial law declaration in Mindanao, according to the Social Weather Stations.

In its latest survey conducted from June 23 to 26 — or more than a month after the President's May 23 military rule declaration — the SWS found out that 78 percent of the 1,200 respondents were satisfied with his performance in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, 12 percent of the respondents were dissatisfied and 10 percent were undecided. This yielded a net satisfaction rating of +66 (% satisfied minus % dissatisfied), classified as “very good” and marking a new personal record high. An "excellent" rating should at least be +70.

This quarter's net satisfaction was just three points higher than SWS' March survey, where the President got a +63 rating (75% satisfied against 12% dissatisfied).

Results of the SWS survey, which involved face-to-face interviews and with sampling error margins of ±3 points for national percentages, was published first on BusinessWorld.

Duterte's net satisfaction in Mindanao dropped 12 points to +75, though still considered "excellent." In Visayas and Luzon, his net satisfaction went up to +73 and +58, respectively.

The BusinessWorld report quoted Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella as saying in a statement that the results of the latest SWS survey "showed tacit public support for the President's action following the rebellion in Marawi."

Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under military rule almost two months ago after pro-ISIS group Maute overran Marawi City, which until now the military has yet to completely reclaim. — MDM, GMA News