Survey: Pinoys satisfied with admin’s human rights promotion

By Janvic Mateo (The Philippine Star), November 18, 2016

MANILA, Philippines – Despite criticisms over alleged human rights violations committed in connection with the anti-drug campaign, a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed that a majority or 74 percent of Filipinos were satisfied with the way the government was promoting human rights.

Results of the Sept. 24 to 27 survey published in BusinessWorld yesterday showed 11 percent of the 1,200 respondents were dissatisfied while another 15 percent said they were undecided on the issue, yielding a “very good” +63 net satisfaction rating on the promotion of human rights during the first three months in office of the Duterte administration.

The net satisfaction rating was obtained by subtracting the percentage of those who said they were dissatisfied with those who said they were satisfied.

Based on the survey, promotion of human rights ranked second among specific issues with the highest ratings, following an “excellent” +78 (85 percent satisfied, seven percent dissatisfied) on the campaign against illegal drugs.

SWS classifies net satisfaction scores of +70 and above as “excellent”; +50 to +69 as “very good”; +30 to +49 as “good”; +10 to +29 as “moderate”; +9 to -9 as “neutral”; -10 to -29 as “poor”; -30 to -49 as “bad”; -50 to -69 as “very bad”; and -70 and below as “execrable.”

Palace elated

Overall, the Duterte administration obtained a “very good” +66 net performance rating (75 satisfied, eight dissatisfied) in its first three months in office.

It is the highest among the initial net overall performance ratings obtained by all post-Marcos presidencies in the first of such surveys that were conducted by SWS after they assumed office.

Duterte’s immediate predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, obtained a +64 performance rating in a survey conducted in September 2010.

Other initial performance ratings of past presidents were: +23 for Corazon Aquino in February 1989, +32 for Fidel Ramos in September 1992, +19 for Joseph Estrada in September 1998, and +27 for Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in March 2001.

Malacañang is thankful for the “very good” net satisfaction ratings it received.

“We thank the Filipino people for giving the highest initial net satisfaction rating… the ‘very good’ +66 net satisfaction rating of the Duterte administration is a source of inspiration and strength to the President and his entire team to double their time and energy to rid society of drugs, criminality and corruption while bringing the fruits of sustainable inclusive development down to our grassroots,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement.

He stressed that the good ratings received by President Duterte and his officials would not be a reason for the government to be complacent in its goals and objectives.

“The President, as we all know, has been elevating the consciousness of our people from the gravity of the drug problem and the threat of terrorism and lawlessness. This means much work has to be done and we all need to roll up our sleeves and buckle down to work and get things done,” Andanar added. – With Giovanni Nilles