There are several ways to look at popularity surveys, such as the one conducted in November and which results were recently released by Pulse Asia. In that poll, the top four officials of the land suffered decreases in trust and approval from the public, some more than others.
One way to look at the surveys is that it is but a snapshot of the sentiments of the people at any given time. Data on the people’s preferences were gathered between November 26 and December 3. Events during this time certainly affected people’s trust and approval of their leaders – specifically, the fallout of the congressional hearings on confidential funds, threats made against high-profile personalities, the filing of impeachment complaints against the Vice President, the defiant stance of the former President regarding the war on drugs, among others. Impact of the counter accusations were felt by other officials as well.
Another way to perceive the dip in ratings is that they indicate that the people want more from their officials more than the usual infighting with political enemies – even those they swore they would be united with just two years prior. It is the sign of an enlightened electorate that they should demand action on gut issues, instead of personality-based distractions in the form of sound bytes and controversial pronouncements.
But it is also an option for officials to dismiss the negative developments and focus on their jobs – their real jobs, apart from gaining public approval that would translate into the next election season. There are projects to be implemented and laws to pass, and it could be said real governance involves making unpopular decisions that are good in the long term but that could cost an official popularity in the immediate term. If this is the case, then a real leader would not mind shedding a few points if it meant something for the greater good.
Then again, who are we kidding?
What the latest popularity numbers tell us, the people, is that ultimately we do have a say on which officials to install in power, and that our opinion does matter. It would be foolhardy, then, to think that we could just go with what the masses like, because everyone is part of the masses. Ultimately, the collective voice could teach our officials lessons and give them reminders on how to do their jobs.
This Christmas, may we work on honing this voice, so that our opinion and perception are informed by facts interpreted under the right context, ethical and moral considerations, historical accuracy, and plain common sense.
This is how public sentiment becomes formidable. This is the best gift we can give our nation.
