VP Binay most trusted gov’t official; PNoy is second —Pulse Asia

Published June 22, 2015 11:14am

(UPDATED 2:21 p.m.) Vice President Jejomar Binay is the most trusted top government official, as he and President Benigno Aquino III bounced back in their ratings based on the latest Pulse Asia survey results released Monday.

Binay recorded "the only majority trust rating" in this quarter with 57 percent, 15 points higher than his 42 percent trust rating in March, Pulse Asia said.

Meanwhile, Aquino's latest trust ratings came at 50 percent, or one in two Filipinos, recovering from his record-low 36 percent.

The survey was conducted from May 30 to June 5, as the Senate Blue Ribbon subcommittee was investigating the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II. It was also during this period that the Court of Appeals granted a petition filed by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the bank accounts of Vice-President Binay as well as Makati City Mayor Binay, former Makati City Mayor Elenita.

Senate President Franklin Drilon is the third most trusted, getting 45 percent, followed by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte at 28 percent. Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno got 27 percent.

The survey results also show Binay having the highest approval rating at 58 percent, followed by Pres. Aquino with 54 percent.

"President Aquino posts majority approval ratings in virtually all geographic areas and socio-economic classes (55% to 62% and 54% to 56%, respectively), with Metro Manila and Class ABC being the exceptions (34% and 43%, respectively). In the case of Vice-President

Binay, approval is the majority sentiment toward his performance in every geographic area and Classes D and E (51% to 62% and 56% to 67%, respectively). The latter’s only non-majority approval rating is recorded in Class ABC (43%)," the survey firm said.

Down in presidential survey

The Vice President, however, slid to second place in the survey of preferred presidential candidates released by Pulse Asia Thursday.

In that survey, Sen. Grace Poe registered a 30 percent support from Filipinos while Binay got 22 percent.

In third place was Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte with 15 percent, followed by Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada with 10 percent each.

Binay said his lower number is a "wake up call" but added that he remains determined to run.

Testament to confidence in PNoy

In a statement, presidential spokesman Sec. Edwin Lacierda said the Pulse Asia survey results serve as a validation of President Aquino’s reform and economic programs.

“This is a testament to the people’s confidence in the President’s integrity and reliability, and the firm resolve of this administration that no one should be left behind in our quest toward inclusive growth,” the Palace official said on Monday afternoon.

He also said the next year’s elections will be a good opportunity to sustain Aquino’s reform efforts.

“With roughly one year left for this administration, it is the Filipino people’s support which continues to inspire us to serve them better, and it is their discernment in future elections that will ensure the continuity of what we have done as we continue to tread Daang Matuwid,” Lacierda said. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino and Andreo Calonzo/JJ/KG/NB, GMA News

Tags: pulseasia, trustrating, jejomarbinay, benignoaquinoiii