MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Friday said that the Office of the Vice President's low ranking in the list of most trusted government agencies may be an effect of his criticisms against the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
"On the observation that the Office of the Vice President is among those that registered the largest declines in satisfaction rating, it may be reasonable to infer that this represents the negative feedback of the business community on the Vice President’s criticisms against the administration in the aftermath of his resignation from the Cabinet," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma Jr. said in a statement.
READ: Office of the Vice President gets lowest rating in bizmen survey
On the other hand, Coloma noted that the Office of the President improved its ranking from the 36th spot to the 27th, with a net satisfaction rating of +29.5.
The Cabinet official expressed his gratitude to the business community for giving a "renewed vote of confidence" to government agencies.
"The survey results mirror and affirm the vote of confidence extended by the international community to the country as reflected in successive upgrades in investment rating, as well as significant improvement in global competitiveness rankings," Coloma added.
Coloma noted that the Department of Foreign Affairs garnered support for its rules-based and diplomatic approach in resolving the West Philippine Sea dispute.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration deserves commendation for its accurate and reliable weather forecasting, Coloma said.
The Office of the Vice President placed at the bottom of the said list at the 64th spot with a net score of -76.3.
The survey was conducted by the Makati Business Club through fax and online survey among its members from July 6 to August 7.