MANILA, (PNA) –Malacanang sees the increase in number of dissatisfied Filipinos in the performance of President Benigno Aquino III as a reflection of the “depth of anger” of the public on the misuse of public funds.
“While an overwhelming majority of Filipinos remain supportive of the President and his agenda, we recognize that the increase in those dissatisfied reflects the depth of anger and disappointment of the people at the way public funds have been stolen,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement on Monday.
“We share this anger and disappointment. No amount of clutter should confuse the true issue at hand: Public funds were stolen by elected officials and their cohorts in the bureaucracy and the private sector,” she added.
The Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey for third quarter showed 68 percent were satisfied with Aquino’s performance, with 19 percent dissatisfied.
The SWS said this was the fourth time Aquino’s score dipped since assuming his post in 2010.
Valte said the public’s support for Aquino has stemmed from “his sincerity in addressing the ills of the system.”
“These remain our bedrock principles as the Aquino administration takes on its most significant fight yet, against those who have joined ranks to derail us from the straight path. Despite their efforts, we shall triumph, because we know —and the numbers show— that our Bosses, the people, remain on our side,” she said.
Valte warned that those who have misused public funds would be held accountable.
“Rest assured that our pursuit of justice will continue and will in fact intensify as more evidence is gathered. Those who have wronged us will be held accountable. Those who wish to bring us back to the old ways will not succeed,” she said.
The survey was conducted from September 20 to 23, at a time when the Zamboanga siege occurred and the public outrage over the pork barrel scam.