Pulse Asia: Aquino no longer most approved, trusted top official

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III is no longer the most approved and most trusted top official after suffering the biggest ratings decline among the five highest government executives, according to the new Pulse Asia survey released on Thursday.

Results of the March 2015 survey showed that Aquino is now behind Senate President Franklin Drilon and Vice President Jejomar Binay, who saw slight changes in their ratings.

Four months ago, Aquino was the most approved and most trusted government executive.

"President Aquino experiences significant changes in his performance and trust ratings between November 2014 and March 2015; the other top government officials of the country register minimal movements in their national ratings," Pulse Asia said.

Drilon's approval rating increased to 49 percent from 47 percent in November while his trust rating also went up to 44 percent from 42 percent.

Binay's approval score went up from 45 percent to 46 percent while his trust rating fell from 44 percent to 42 percent.

A Pulse Asia survey released last week showed that Aquino's approval rating plummeted from 59 percent in November to 38 percent this month while his trust rating nosedived from 56 percent to 36 percent in the same period.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno's approval and trust ratings dropped from 37 percent to 29 percent and from 33 percent to 27 percent, respectively.

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte is the least approved and trusted top government executive. His approval rating declined from 34 percent to 27 percent while his trust score dipped from 31 percent to 23 percent.

Pulse Asia noted that the leading government officials of the country are unable to obtain majority approval and trust ratings for the first quarter of 2015.

Sought for comment, Malacañang shrugged off claims that the big decline in approval and trust ratings would be a concern for Aquino.

"The president is firmly determined to fulfill his promises to his Bosses, the Filipino people," Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement sent through e-mail.

"In all his actions and decisions he abides by his sworn duties and serves in accordance with his judgment on what is best for the nation, regardless of the ebb and flow of  public sentiment and popularity ratings," Coloma added.