Duterte's ratings prove he is no 'lame duck' president--Roque


President Duterte's latest performance rating and trust rating, as measured by independent pollster Pulse Asia, proves that he is isn't a "lame duck" president.

President Rodrigo Duterte bows to the audience during a recent infrastructure project inauguration (Malacañang photo)

Thus, claimed lawyer Harry Roque on Monday, Nov. 15, during his last press conference as presidential spokesperson.

"Nagpapasalamat ang Palasyo sa patuloy ninyong suporta at tiwala sa ating Pangulo. Ayon sa huling Pulse Asia na isinagawa noong Setyembre, ang performance rating ng Pangulo ay nasa 64 percent at ang kaniyang trust rating ay nasa 63 percent (The Palace thanks the people for its continued support and trust toward our President. According to the last Pulse Asia survey that was conducted in September, the President's performance rating stood at 64 percent percent while his trust rating stood at 63 percent)," he said.

"Bagama’t may pagbaba, nananatiling mataas ito sa isang Pangulong nasa huling bahagi ng kaniyang termino, patunay na hindi lame duck ang ating Punong Ehekutibo ha (Although there's a decrease, these numbers remain high for a President who's at the tail end of his term, proof that the Chief Executive isn't a lame duck)," Roque said.

(Screenshot from Facebook live)

Roque had earlier provided context to Duterte's skidding ratings by comparing it to the ratings of past Philippine presidents during the final year of their respective terms.

A lame duck president is a president who has lost his or her command or influence as a leader, particularly when his or her tenure is about to end.

"Asahan nating patuloy na magtatrabaho ang ating Pangulo na buong husay, buong tapang at buong dedikasyon para sa ating muling pag-ahon mula sa COVID-19 (Expect the President to work with all his expertise, courage, and dedication toward our recovery from the coronavirus disease)," Roque said of the 76-year-old Duterte.