GMA did well on this one
Philippine Star
A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by a congressional oversight committee reportedly showed that the Arroyo administration has scored satisfaction ratings ranging from 43 percent to 70 percent in 15 out of 20 national issues, including infrastructure and natural calamities.
The statement regarding the survey was released by the office of Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, chairman of the House committee on oversight, which monitored the implementation of President Arroyo’s commitments in her previous State of the Nation Address (SONA).
The survey was conducted from July 13 to 17 or a week before Mrs. Arroyo delivers her 8th SONA today. Suarez however did not say whether the survey was conducted nationwide or in Metro Manila only.
The results of the survey came after the SWS earlier released a non-commissioned survey showing a record plunge in Mrs. Arroyo’s satisfaction ratings to negative 38 percent.
“The highest net satisfaction rating was in infrastructure wherein 70 percent of respondents answered that they were satisfied with the infrastructure projects, particularly repairs of roads at plus 48 percent and installation of traffic signs along the roads by the government at plus 52 percent,” the statement said.
It said the questions were asked in relation to measuring the impact of government projects and programs on the people.
Suarez said the repairs of road and improvement of traffic signs came from the dedicated funds provided in the Motor Vehicle User Charge Act.
The Arroyo administration, however, obtained a negative net satisfaction rating on the following: prosecution of those who cheat in paying taxes at negative four percent; eradicating graft and corruption in government, -13 percent; ensuring that no family will ever be hungry, -19 percent; fighting inflation, -22 percent; and keeping promises at -23 percent, the statement said.
According to the survey, about 67 percent were satisfied in the government’s response during natural calamities with 48 percent favorable rating in terms of helping calamity victims.
“Addressing the concerns during times of distress, the ratings, which cut through ABCDE classes, suggest that the Arroyo administration has satisfied the public,” Suarez said.
This was notwithstanding the fact that at the height of typhoon “Frank” last month, the President was in the United States on an official visit, he said.
Other issues that got positive net satisfaction ratings are environment and natural resources protection at 28 percent and foreign relations at 27 percent.
Addressing basic services and other economic issues by the government garnered passing marks like lowering water rates and mobile phone rates at 21 percent, helping the poor at 19 percent, implementing housing programs for the poor, 18 percent, and lowering electricity rates at 15 percent, Suarez said.
“Efforts of the government in working for and maintaining peace and harmony were recognized by the people as shown by the positive 20 percent net satisfaction rating. On the reconciliation with Muslim rebel issues, fighting crimes at net positive 17 percent and positive 15 percent on the issue of fighting terrorism,” the statement said.
Questions on collecting enough taxes so the government need not borrow to fund programs netted a positive seven percent. In relation to the issue, 76 percent of Filipinos want to reduce the value added tax (VAT) on oil and power.
Palace officials said Mrs. Arroyo is expected to defend the VAT in her SONA today.
– Paolo Romero
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