Duterte on his satisfaction ratings: ‘I made the right decision’

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MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Monday his retirement from politics, saying he made the “right decision”.

He made the statement in response to a decline in his satisfaction ratings based on the results of his most recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll.

Based on the SWS poll statistics, Duterte’s satisfaction rating dropped by 17 percentage points, from a peak of +79 percent net rating in the November 2020 survey to a +62 percent net rating in the recent June 2021 survey.

“It’s still good, but I think it’s time. There’s always a time for everything. Even if you get a 64 rating, may panahon-panahon ang buhay. So sa palagay ko, tama yung ginawa ko (There’s a time for everything. I think I made the right decision),” Duterte said in a late-night Talk to the People.

Duterte claimed he decided to retire from politics to respect “the will of the people” after another SWS poll found that 60% of 1,200 adult Filipinos thought his vice-presidential run would violate the Constitution’s intention.

“I withdrew my vice presidential bid for next year’s elections after giving serious thought to the sentiments of the Filipino people expressed by different surveys, forums, caucuses, and meetings,” he said.

He stated that it is time to “give way to a new set of leaders” who will “hopefully” continue the changes and programs initiated by his government.

“It is my hope that the new set of leaders will pursue a platform of government that will build on our gains in the areas of fighting illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, terrorism, and insurgency. I likewise hope that you will continue what we have begun in terms of infrastructure development and the many other initiatives we have undertaken during my term,” he added.

Duterte legacy

Meanwhile, Duterte expressed confidence in Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a former long-time aide, as the “best person” to help the next president carry on his legacy and build on their accomplishment, particularly in terms of providing basic healthcare, education, and other social services for the people.

He praised Go for developing Malasakit Centers while still serving as Special Assistant to the President (SAP) and for assisting in its adoption into law as a senator.

Malasakit Centers, which are intended to complement Republic Act (RA) No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care law, serve as a one-stop for medical and financial help needed to receive health care services.

Duterte commended Go for performing his responsibilities as a legislator by enacting several vital laws, visiting and assisting Filipinos, particularly victims of fire, flood, and other natural disasters, as well as those who are disproportionately affected by the current Covid-19 pandemic.

“With his track record of service and strong work ethic rooted in compassion towards the poor and the neglected, I strongly believe that he will be the best vice president of the country,” he said.

In evaluating the list of candidates for the country’s second-highest elected seat, he urged Filipinos to “look at his deeds and achievements”.

On Oct. 2, Go filed his certificate of candidacy for vice president in the 2022 elections, after Duterte’s decision to withdraw his acceptance of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi’s nomination for vice president under the ruling Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipino-Laban (PDP-Laban) party.

Go was nominated as the PDP-Laban’s presidential candidate, but he declined, stating that he was not interested.

House committees to hold hearings during break

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Spread the loveMANILA – The House of Representatives has authorized for its committees to conduct hearings during the five-week congressional break, extending until late April.

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