Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the survey listing the Philippines as one of the safest countries in the world was also a testament that Congress is doing its job "well" in crafting laws.
In a statement on Friday, Sotto credited lawmakers for the outcome in the Global Law and Order study by Washington-based analytics firm Gallup where the Philippines is regarded as being among the world's safest countries.
"Being declared as the 12th safest country in the world is a big leap from the negative perceptions about our country. It is an indication that our laws are also keeping up with the pace of staying relevant and effective,” Sotto said.
"The survey shows that Congress is duly performing its function of coming up with well thought-of, exhaustively-studied and intelligently-debated laws. While some have been controversial and highly unpopular to government critics, the study proves that our laws are responsive to the needs of our people. It reflects that Filipinos believe that lawmakers are doing their jobs well."
The Senate chief also said that the survey was a "breather amid the negative allegations that cynical groups and extremist critics have been peddling the world."
"It validates the high trust and approval ratings of the President, the Senate and House of Representatives," he added.
Despite the survey results, Sotto said legislators and the police should not be complacent.
"We cannot put down our guards. While we are happy with the findings, these should not give us the false feeling that we have done enough. There is still so much room for improvement. We need to make sure that everyone, even the most distrustful and pessimistic critics, feel safe in our country."
"Sa susunod, dapat Top 5 na tayo, kung hindi man topnotcher (Next time, we should be in the Top 5, if not the topnotcher),” Sotto said.
The Philippines scored 84 in the Gallup's law and order index and tied with Australia, New Zealand, Poland and Serbia. Respondents were asked about their confidence in the local police in their respective countries, if they felt safe walking alone at night and if they have been assaulted or mugged within the past 12 months.
Singapore got the highest score with 97, while Afghanistan got the lowest with 43.
President Duterte on Thursday attributed to the police and military the findings of the Gallup's survey.