We don’t work based on surveys – President Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — Recent social amelioration initiatives of the government are aimed at addressing the people’s needs and concerns, not at improving approval ratings, President Marcos said.

In a podcast interview aired yesterday, Marcos was asked whether his personal announcements of government programs – such as zero-billing in government hospitals, the roll-out of P20-per-kilo rice and increased train fare discounts for select sectors – were part of an effort to regain the public’s trust and approval.

“That is not our approach. We don’t work according to surveys, not really,” the President said. “There are many things that we can do that affect people’s lives and help people’s lives, make it easier. Cheaper, easier, more convenient, save time – all of those things that are valuable to all of us.”

Marcos added that his presence during the programs’ launch adds significance to the event and helps gain greater attention from the public.

“It’s not enough to just report to the people the latest services available. Now, it’s important that I am there, because when I go, when the President goes, it highlights whatever that (program) is,” he said.

Asked to comment on criticisms that his programs are short-term or band-aid solutions, Marcos urged his critics to ask students who now pay 50 percent less for their train fare and patients who are willing to undergo kidney transplants because they can now avail themselves of free medicines.

According to the latest OCTA Research survey, the trust ratings of Marcos rose to 64 percent in July from 60 percent in April, while distrust fell to 20 percent from 23 percent.

His satisfaction rating also increased to 62 percent from 59 percent, with dissatisfaction nearly unchanged at 19 percent and the undecided down to 18 percent.

‘Just work’

In contrast to Marcos’ trust and performance ratings, Vice President Sara Duterte saw a slight drop in her trust and satisfaction ratings.

Despite this, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) expressed optimism and confidence that Duterte would work harder to regain public support.

According to the latest survey issued by the OCTA Research group, trust in the Vice President dropped from 58 percent to 54 percent, while those who distrusted her increased from 19 percent to 23 percent. Satisfaction with Duterte also dropped six points, from 56 percent to 50 percent.

Respecting the survey, OVP spokesperson Ruth Castelo said: “Survey or no survey, impeachment or no impeachment, the OVP will work the same or even harder to fulfill the mandate of the office and to fulfill also the advocacies of the OVP.

Where is VP Sara?

“We’ll get back to you.”

This was the response of the OVP when asked about the exact whereabouts of the Vice President yesterday.

Pressed by reporters, Castelo did not confirm if Sara is currently in the Philippines or whether her scheduled trip to Kuwait tomorrow would push through.

“Let me verify that information,” Castelo said.

Instead of giving a categorical answer, she assured the public that the Vice President remains in charge despite her absence.

“Her involvement never diminished… Even if she’s not physically here, she’s still the one running the office,” she said.

The Vice President arrived in the country on July 28 – during President Marcos’ fourth State of the Nation Address, which she skipped – after a trip to South Korea.

According to Castelo, Duterte immediately visited Marinduque from July 29 to 31 during disaster relief operations conducted by her office in the province.

No further details have been provided about her current location since then.

The Vice President is scheduled to travel to Kuwait on Aug. 8 to lead another “Free Duterte” campaign. — Bella Cariaso