THE surge in the trust and performance ratings of Speaker Martin G. Romualdez means that the public supports the realignment of confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) to security agencies, a leader of the House of Representatives said today.
“The Octa Research 2023 third quarter survey was conducted between Sept. 30 and Oct. 4. That’s when the controversy around the House decision to reallocate CIFs from civilian offices to agencies having to do with national security was brewing,” Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. said.
He said he surmised that people were aware of the issue due to its wide coverage in mainstream and social media, and that “they agreed with the House decision as reflected in the significant increase in the levels of their trust and their approval of the performance of our leader, Speaker Romualdez.”
“That’s one way of looking at the survey numbers. Another way is the public is largely supportive of the all-out help our Speaker and the House in general have been extending to our President in making life better for our people,” he stressed.
Gonzales pointed out that people recognize and appreciate the various accomplishments of the House, from fighting food inflation and combatting the drug menace to passing the national budget and other measures that would sustain the country’s economic growth.
“Even multilateral lenders acknowledge the efforts of the House to keep the economy on the high growth path. They are upbeat about our progress,” he added.
The Octa Research survey showed that Speaker Romualdez’s trust rating jumped significantly by 22 points, from 38 percent to 60 percent, between 2022 and 2023. From July to October this year, his trust level rose by six points, from 54 percent to 60 percent.
In the same poll, the Speaker’s performance satisfaction mark climbed by 17 points between 2020-2022 and 2023, from 44 percent to 61 percent. From July to October 2023, his performance rating increased by six points, from 55 percent to 61 percent.
Gonzales thanked the public for supporting Speaker Romualdez and the House of Representatives.
“I have known the Speaker up close and personal. He is a close friend and colleague. He works hard, and these numbers will inspire him to work even harder for our people, our President and the nation,” he said.
