Impressive House approval ratings reflect public trust

The latest approval rating obtained by the House of Representatives proved that Filipinos monitor developments in Congress under the leadership of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Majority Leader Martin Romualdez.

The latest Social Weather Station (SWS) survey likewise showed that the House approval of the 2020 General Appropriations Act and various revenue reform measures such as the Alcohol and Vape tax, Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Rationalization Act, Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Tax Act and Retail Trade Liberalization Act, among others, was well-appreciated.

“The rating demonstrates that the public appreciates what the leadership and collective membership of the House and the focused work of its committees have achieved in less than three months,” said Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chair of the Committee on Ways and Means.

The SWS survey showed 64% of Filipinos approved of Cayetano’s performance while 14% did not, or a net +49% approval rating.

The House rating similarly remained “good” although it fell to +43 in September from a record-high +48 in June.

The surveys covered the third quarter performance of the House, its first three months under the new incumbent leadership.

The ratings were higher than Vice President Leni Robredo’s +33.

“Our hard work did not go unnoticed. They ultimately paid off,” Salceda noted.

The Lower House is now working on a number of new initiatives that are supportive of the national agenda, including the State of the Nation Address-mandated creation of the Departments of Disaster Resilience, Overseas Filipino Workers and Water Resources.

Likewise getting earnest House attention and push are the proposed tax measures on mining, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operation (POGO) and Motor Vehicle Road Users Tax (MVRUT)—all considered vital components of the national program agenda.

Salceda said the high ratings Cayetano and the House leadership earned simply indicated that they have effectively communicated their nation-building mandate and mission to their constituents.