By Ellson Quismorio The new record-high gross satisfaction rating of 80 percent of President Rodrigo Duterte no longer came as a surprise to Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Joel Almario. According to the recently reelected Mindanao lawmaker, the main reason behind Duterte's latest survey achievement was his consistent hardline stance against criminality and illegal drugs. Davao Oriental 2nd district Rep. Joel Almario
(Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN) "PRRD (President Duterte) has been consistent in his stand against criminality especially on illegal drugs and corruption from the time he was mayor of Davao City to his presidential campaign, until now on the last half of his presidency," noted Almario. Duterte won the 2016 presidential race via landslide, it can be recalled. "The Filipinos have never had a president as strong and straightforward as PRRD in this campaign against criminality;  now feel the benefits of PRRD’s war against criminality as domestic and international investments have poured in owing to increased trust and confidence in his leadership," explained the congressman. According to Almario, the populist Duterte has earned brownie points from Pinoys for his zero tolerance for criminality. "The Filipinos now realize that no matter how firm and determined PRRD is, criminality is so deeply entrenched that it cannot be eradicated during his time, and yet he continues his strong drive against it instead of conveniently succumbing." Moreover, Almario said that the 74-year-old president was being viewed as a credible and sincere leader. "PRRD has been upfront about the difficulties he is facing in trying to address the problems of illegal drugs and corruption. His admission that he needs help from the citizens and his allies shows humility and adds to his credibility and sincerity," he said. "With PRRD’s trusted allies in Congress, he can do more for the country in his remaining three years as president," Almario added, referring to the 18th Congress which will begin in earnest on July 22. Duterte will deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) that day. The Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey results for the second quarter of 2019 showed Duterte with an impressive 80 percent gross satisfaction rating, an improvement over his 79 percent gross satisfaction rating last March. The resulting net satisfaction (minus the 12 percent dissatisfied) for the second quarter was +68 percent, surpassing the previous record of +66 in March 2019 and June 2017. Read more: Duterte rides on record-high public satisfaction rating