(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Few adults in the Philippines are satisfied with their president, according to a poll by Pulse Asia. Only 26 per cent of respondents approve of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s performance.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Few adults in the Philippines are satisfied with their president, according to a poll by Pulse Asia. Only 26 per cent of respondents approve of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s performance.
Arroyo took over as president in January 2001, following the resignation of Joseph Estrada. Arroyo won a six-year term in the June 2004 presidential election, garnering 39.99 per cent of all cast ballots. The next election is tentatively scheduled for June 2010. Arroyo is ineligible for a consecutive term in office.
Last year, pro-Arroyo lawmakers in the House of Representatives openly discussed the possibility of amending the constitution to allow the president to remain in office after her current term expires. During her tenure, Arroyo has faced four impeachment attempts and three attempted coups.
This year, legislators have debated several changes to the constitution proposed by the sitting government. The amendments include extending the terms of incumbent officials, changing the political system to a parliamentary democracy, and modifying certain economic provisions.
Yesterday, cabinet secretary Silvestre Bello III ruled out the possibility of a military-supported coup against the president—such as the one that took place earlier this month in Honduras—saying, "That’s unlikely, it’s a very improbable situation. You know, it has been very clear from the start that our soldiers are sworn to their duty as the protector of our country and people, and they have no reason to rebel because our country’s doing well."
Polling Data
Do you approve or disapprove of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s performance as president?
|
May 2009 |
Feb. 2009 |
Oct. 2008 |
|
|
Approve |
26% |
26% |
24% |
|
Disapprove |
46% |
46% |
46% |
Source: Pulse Asia
Methodology: Interviews with 1,200 Filipino adults, conducted from May 4 to May 17, 2009. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
