MARCOS’ GOVERNANCE RATING RISES; GATCHALIAN REMAINS TOP-RATED CABINET OFFICIAL

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Index of Governance (IOG) rose by 2.3 percentage points to 55.1 percent, driven by a 55.4 percent trust rating and a 55.8 percent job-performance rating, according to the latest RPMD Foundation survey conducted from July 12 to 19. The survey also showed the President posting a net trust rating of +25.2 points and a net job-performance rating of +27.7 points, reflecting continued favorable public assessments. RPMD analyst Dr. Paul Martinez attributed the increase in part to the administration’s anti-corruption initiatives but said public confidence will ultimately depend on improvements in jobs, food prices, public services, infrastructure, peace and order, and the cost of living. He added that the results indicate a gradual strengthening of public confidence rather than a sudden political shift, while stressing the need for the administration to translate policies into measurable benefits for Filipinos. Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian remained the country’s highest-rated Cabinet official, posting an 88.2 percent IOG after also topping the previous RPMD survey.