ROXAS TO EXEC: FOCUS ON THE PEOPLE

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas said he was happy to learn that he had received high trust and approval ratings in a July survey of Pulse Asia, and that the administration in particular should take the survey results constructively.

"I am elated by the high trust and approval ratings that our countrymen have accorded me. Nakakataba ito ng puso. Pero may pressure din na kasabay ito: na wala nang lugar pa para magloko o umatras sa mga labang pinasukan natin para sa kapakanan ng mamamayan," he said.

"I thank our kababayans for continuing to trust in us, for reaffirming our efforts and direction, and at the same time, for giving us a keen reminder as to our responsibilities as a public official. That I stay focused on advocacies that concern our people the most is a bare minimum. This is governance, after all. Ito talaga ang pinasukan natin," he added.

Roxas received a 69% trust rating and 73% approval rating in the Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan survey conducted from July 1-14 and released yesterday.

He said the high ratings affirmed that his advocacies were of utmost importance to Filipinos, and that the fulfillment of these would require the cooperation of both Congress and the executive.

"Over this past year, I have pushed for quality and affordable food and medicines, an end to the VAT on oil products and income tax for low-income earners, and for peace and stability especially in Mindanao. However, the success of these advocacies will also depend on an administration that can summon political will and that is sensitive to the people's plight," he said.

"It could not be ignored that our people's trust and approval of President Arroyo and her allies is at a historical low. This speaks of a much bigger problem, that of a government unable to respond to the needs of its citizens. I challenge President Arroyo to go beyond partisan appointments and backdoor negotiations, and get real with the people," he added.