Following the latest Pulse Asia survey showing a decline in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approval and trust ratings, Malacañang emphasized its focus on governance rather than public opinion polls.
“True leadership always carries with it the burden to pursue courses of action which are right but may not be popular,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a statement.
“Public interest is the sole driver behind every executive decision, not the pursuit of high ratings in the next opinion polls. High popularity ratings are the bonus and not the bedrock of effective public service,” he added.
The Pulse Asia survey, conducted from November 26 to December 3, showed a decline in Mr. Marcos’ approval rating to 48 percent, down from 50 percent in September, and his trust rating to 47 percent, also down from 50 percent.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte’s approval rating fell to 50 percent from 60 percent, while her trust rating dropped to 49 percent from 61 percent over the same period.
Bersamin acknowledged the value of surveys as “dipstick readings” of public sentiment but stressed that governance success should be measured by tangible indicators such as employment and economic growth.
“As the President’s actions show, we have remained focused on our critical mission of uplifting lives, growing the economy, and securing our future,” Bersamin said.
