Philippine President Benigno Aquino’s approval ratings plunge to new low

Philippine President Benigno Aquino's performance ratings have plunged to their lowest ever, two independent pollsters said yesterday, as a perception grew that he is not serious enough in efforts to fight corruption.

Aquino won the presidency in 2010 on a promise of good governance and fighting graft, but has struggled to rid the country of its image as the most corrupt in Asia.

A survey by independent pollster Pulse Asia, taken last month, showed Aquino's approval rating dropped from 70 per cent in March to 56 per cent. His trust rating also fell from 69 per cent to 53 per cent in the same period.

Another survey, by Social Weather Stations, also carried out last month, showed Aquino's net satisfaction ratings dropped to 25 per cent from 45 per cent in March, the lowest in four years.

His highest rating was 67 per cent in August 2012.

Aquino is ineligible for re-election under the constitution but the prospects for his Liberal Party's candidate are likely to be damaged if his popularity is undermined in the run-up to a 2016 presidential election.