MANILA, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Most Filipinos continue to trust Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, according to a new independent poll released on Friday, contrary to another survey released earlier showing a double-digit decline in his satisfaction rating.
A survey by Pulse Asia Inc. conducted on Sept. 24-30 showed that 80 percent of the 1,200 people surveyed nationwide approved of the ways Duterte runs the country.
"Amidst the various issues being faced by his administration, (Duterte) manages to retain his big majority approval and trust ratings," the Pulse Asia report said.
Duterte's September Pulse Asia ratings are slightly lower than the June approval and trust ratings which was recorded at 82 percent and 81 percent respectively.
The Pulse Asia survey is a stark contrast to the results of Social Weather Stations (SWS) third quarter survey conducted also in September that showed Duterte satisfaction rating at 67 percent and trust rating at 73 percent - a dip from 78 percent satisfaction rating and 82 percent trust rating recorded in June.
Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella hailed the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey, saying it revealed that a big majority of Filipinos continues to trust Duterte and approve of his performance in government.
"Despite the multifaceted political noise, (Duterte) is still the most approved and the most trusted government official in the Philippines today," Abella said.
He said Duterte's "firm commitment to fight illegal drugs and criminality in the country is his way to returning the overwhelmingly confidence and trust bestowed to him by the people."
The spokesman noted the Philippines focuses its sight on achieving inclusive economic growth, as business confidence in the country remains high.
"The local stock market continues to ignore the political noise and hits a new peace yesterday when the index closed for the first time above the 8,400 mark," Abella said.
Duterte's approval rating is highest among the poorest Filipinos, according to the survey.
Although 80 percent of those surveyed trust Duterte, the survey said 14 percent are undecided and 6 percent distrust him.
Duterte, who assumed the presidency in June last year, ends his single, six-year term in 2022.
