The approval ratings of Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte suffered a double-digit drop in the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia in September. From 80 percent last June, Marcos Jr’s approval rating plummeted to 65 percent, while Duterte’s rating declined from 84 percent to 73 percent in the same period.
“The current double-digit drop in Marcos and Duterte’s approval ratings may be attributed to the unresolved and ever-worsening economic crisis and the apparent corruption within the regime,” explained Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) in a statement.
Both Marcos and Duterte were embroiled in consecutive corruption scandals first with the passage of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) into law last July, and the lack of transparency in the use of so-called ‘Confidential and Intelligence Funds (CIFs).’
“The lack of decisive action to address high prices and low wages, coupled with the national budget skewed in favor of non-transparent and unnecessary items such as confidential and travel funds, may have been major factors in the drop in approval ratings,” added BAYAN.
Philippine inflation accelerated to the fastest pace in four months in September driven mainly by a 17.9 percent surge in rice prices. The inflation rate jumped 6.1% in September up sharply from the 8.1% in the previous month.
Meanwhile, the average minimum wage currently pegged at P8,902 ($157) per month remain below the poverty threshold of P12,030 ($212) for a family of five according to Ibon Foundation.
“Indeed, as the economic crisis worsens, so will the people’s disappointment with the ruling clique. No amount of statistical window-dressing and flashy presentations can cover up economic decline and systemic corruption,” BAYAN concluded.
