By Argyll Cyrus Geducos



Malacañang expressed its gratitude to Filipinos who continue to believe that President Duterte will be able to fulfill the promises he made during the election period in 2016.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the statement after the 2018 fourth quarter Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showed that almost half of Filipinos expect the President to deliver most of his promises during his term.

Of 1,440 adult Filipinos polled last month, 48 percent said Duterte could “fulfill most, if not all, of his promises.”

In a statement Sunday morning, Panelo thanked the Filipinos for continuously believing in the President.

“We thank the Filipino people for continuously believing in the President’s promises to bring compassion and real change to the nation as reflected in the Fourth Quarter 2018 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted last December 16-19, 2018,” he said.

Panelo attributed the favorable survey findings to Duterte’s drive in fighting illegal drugs, criminality and corruption.

“These three main issues form the heart of PRRD’s campaign platform in 2016 and the Filipinos witnessed the voluntary surrender of more than a million drug personalities, the making of safe neighborhoods in the cities, as well as the firing of erring officials in the government, including long-time friends, allies, relations, and fraternity brods,” he said.

The Palace official then urged the people to continue trusting that Duterte can give Filipinos a better life.

“We urge the people to continue putting their faith in our President in the remainder of his term even as we remain committed in fulfilling our aspiration for a comfortable and crime-free life in the Philippines,” Panelo said.

Of the adults surveyed, 13 percent said they believe Duterte could fulfill all of his promises, while 35 percent said he could make most of his promises happen. Meanwhile, six percent said Duterte could not fulfill his promises. The remaining 46 percent the President could fulfill few of his promises.

During the campaign period, Duterte promised to put an end to the illegal drug trade and criminality in three to six months. He also promised to end contractualization.

The President also campaigned for the creation of the Bangsamoro government and the shift to a federal form of government.