The House of Representatives has posted a dismal job performance approval rating of only 45 percent, with a dissatisfaction rating of 43 percent and 12 percent undecided or non-responsive.

This was reflected in the latest nationwide survey conducted by the HKPH Public Opinion and Research Center in partnership with the Hong Kong-based Asia Research Center (ARC).

Even more concerning was the performance rating of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who garnered only 39 percent approval, while 46 percent expressed dissatisfaction, and 15 percent were undecided or refused to answer.

According to Steven Su, program director of the survey conducted from 1 to 6 June with 3,500 respondents nationwide, these numbers reflect a growing national dissatisfaction with both the legislative leadership and the institution itself — sentiments that were exacerbated by political missteps during the recently concluded midterm elections.

“The impeachment case filed during the campaign period struck a deep chord with the electorate,” Su said. “Instead of promoting accountability, the timing backfired. It gave the impression that politics took precedence over governance. Many saw it as a self-inflicted wound by the House and its leadership.”

The survey showed the public perceived the impeachment as an opportunistic move launched at a politically volatile time.

This strategic miscalculation not only weakened the administration’s Senate slate, effectively fueling the rise of opposition candidates but also dealt a significant blow to congressional candidates aligned with the Speaker, especially those who had signed the impeachment complaint. Voters, Su noted, wanted accountability but condemned the partisan timing of the move.

Several congressional candidates — both victors and losers — interviewed post-election by Su admitted that the impeachment controversy became a political burden they had no choice but to carry.

Many described the campaign period as the most divisive and brutal battle they had ever experienced, with narratives of betrayal, coercion, and deep internal rifts within party lines.

“It became a campaign not about platform or progress, but about blame and backlash,” legislators said. “We were caught in a narrative that we couldn’t escape.”