Palace welcomes latest SWS survey on PH democracy

Malacanang welcomed on Tuesday the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing that the majority of Filipinos were satisfied with the democratic situation in the Philippines, saying the rating was the highest figure recorded since 1991.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, reading from a prepared statement, said that the latest survey by the polling firm, which was conducted from March 19 to 22, had surpassed the previous record high of 70 percent recorded in September 1992 and July 1998.

"We welcome the results of a survey conducted in March this year by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), on satisfaction with how democracy works at a record level of 74%. It is the highest figure since the polling firm began running the survey in 1991, surpassing the previous record-high of 70% in September 1992 and July 1998," Valte said.

"Notably, in the four surveys conducted yearly under the Aquino administration, the figure has not dipped below 64% – the longest period of sustained satisfaction recorded throughout the five administrations since the restoration of democracy in 1986," she added.

She said that President Benigno S. Aquino III remains firm in his decision to continue to institute reforms that will help the government and the Filipino achieve true democracy.

"True democracy includes what the President's father called freedom from hunger. This is why we have invested in both strengthening and expanding our social safety nets so the fruits of democracy may be enjoyed by as many Filipinos as possible," Valte said.

"Realizing that democracy is a work in progress, the Aquino administration is determined to continue reforms that will help restore trust in our public institutions, renew faith in government, and empower the Filipino people," she said. (PNA)