Mag poll: Noynoy among most trusted

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III ranked in the top five of the most trusted Filipinos in an independent survey done by international magazine Reader’s Digest.

In the magazine’s Asian Reader’s Digest Trust Poll published in its March 2010 issue, actress and philanthropist Rosa Rosal was first in the list, followed by singer-actress Lea Salonga.

Number three was

journalist and GMA News vice president Jessica Soho and fourth was philanthropist and Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto.

President Arroyo was one of the least trusted at number 78. Disgraced plastic surgeon Hayden Kho ended up at number 80. The magazine said this was probably triggered by the scandalous sex videos he allegedly filmed without the consent of at least two of his partners.

Others near the bottom of the list were Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa (71), Ilocos Sur Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (73), Imee Marcos (74), television host Willie Revillame (75), former first lady Imelda Marcos (77) and former President Joseph Estrada (79).

Aquino was the only politician who made it to the top five in the first ever Asian Reader’s Digest Trust Survey conducted in the Philippines in October 2009 by independent market research firm The Digital Edge in behalf of the magazine.

Aquino’s rival, Nacionalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr., placed 60th among the list of 80 influential Filipino personalities and 40 professions who were ranked based upon the public’s perceived trustworthiness.

A cross-section of 760 Filipinos served as respondents.

Aquino’s running mate, Sen. Manuel Roxas II, was at number 24.

Based on the list, international bowling champ Paeng Nepomuceno and filmmaker Howie Severino tied for sixth place, followed by broadcast journalist Randy David (eighth), broadcast journalist Mel Tiangco (ninth), and international billiards sensation Efren “Bata” Reyes (10th).

“These individuals have one thing in common: heart. Whether it is about the love of service to the people, doing one’s job with utmost dedication, or instilling national pride in the spirit of competition, all 10 of the most trusted Filipinos show the kind of passion that inspires and motivates,” the Reader’s Digest said.

Aquino had a good ranking despite being a politician, the least desired occupation among Filipinos

The top 10 professions are: pilot, teacher, surgeon, doctor and farmer (tied at fourth), paramedic (sixth), scientist (seventh), nurse (eighth), chef (ninth), and dentist (10th).

“This shows that Filipinos trust their lives mostly in the hands of healthcare and medical professionals.

“Real estate agent (36th), lawyer (37th), police officer (38th), hawker (39th), and politician (40th) turned out to be the least popular professions among Filipinos as these landed at the bottom of the survey,” it said.

Aside from the celebrities and broadcast journalists included in the top 10, other media personalities who complete the top 20 are broadcast journalists Mike Enriquez (13th) and Julius Babao (16th), actress Boots Anson-Roa (14th), actress and Lipa City Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto (17th), and actress and environmentalist Chin Chin Gutierrez and TV host Michael V (tied at 20th).

“They are the people we look up to and aspire for, which is probably why politicians resort to using show business personalities in their campaign tours all over the country,” the magazine said.

Reader’s Digest noted that boxing king Manny Pacquiao did not land higher in the rankings even with all the international recognition, and this could be due to nagging rumors about his infidelity to his wife Jinkee. Fellow athletes Nepomuceno and Reyes, however, managed to keep Filipino pride intact.

Two other athletes made it to the list: basketball players Chris Tiu (39th) and Asi Taulava (70th), the magazine said.

The list was presented to respondents in random order, with ratings of 1 to 10, where 1 equated to “don’t trust at all” and 10 being “trust completely.”