Cayetano's high approval ratings due to ‘successful’ SEA Games – solons

Lawmakers attributed Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano's high approval and trust ratings in the most recent Pulse Asia survey to the successful hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

In a statement, Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga pointed out that the survey was taken from December 3 to 8 during the 30th SEA Games - an event which Cayetano had supervised as chairperson of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee.

According to the survey results, Cayetano got the largest bump in ratings among President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Leni Robredo, and Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

His approval rating rose to 80 percent from the previous 72 percent, while his trust rating increased to 76 percent from the previous 66 percent.

Barzaga said the notable spike in Cayetano's approval and trust ratings was likely due to the success of the SEA Games.

The solon argued that it took "hardcore devotion" to overturn the initial criticisms the games received. He added Cayetano's high ratings reflected his hard work for the timely approval of the proposed 2020 national budget.

"Indeed, the sustained high ratings of Cayetano proved him worthy of the speakership post. The Filipino people may hope for more transformative legislation under his leadership and that of the present administration as good ratings were also recorded for President Rodrigo Duterte," a statement from Barzaga said.

"Truly, Filipinos may welcome 2020 with hope for more peaceful and progressive Philippines," he added.

Valenzuela City Representative Eric Martinez had the same observation, adding that House members' hardwork and dedication had also helped bolster Cayetano's ratings.

"It is a reflection of the hardwork and dedication of Congress in delivering the much needed legislative reforms needed by the Duterte administration, under the leadership of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, plus of course the hosting of the SEA Games 2019, 'the best games ever hosted by our country' of which Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano led, as PHISCGOC chair," gushed Martinez.

The same survey results showed that Duterte's approval and trust ratings rose to 87 percent from 83 percent.

Robredo, meanwhile, received a 58 percent approval rating, an eight-point gain from the previous quarter. Her trust rating also improved to 53 percent from September's 46 percent. — Erwin Colcol/DVM, GMA News