MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday expressed gratitude to Filipinos who continue to trust President Rodrigo Duterte and appreciate his work performance.

This, after OCTA Research, in its Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from March 5 to 10, found that Duterte earned the highest performance and trust scores among the top government officials.

Results of OCTA Research’s poll revealed that Duterte received a satisfaction rating of 67 percent and a trust rating of 69 percent.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa inyong patuloy at walang sawang suporta at pagtitiwala sa ating Punong Ehekutibo, Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte na nakakuha ng pinakamataas na performance rating at 67 percent at pinakamataas na trust rating, 69 percent (We thank the public for their continued support and trust in our Chief Executive, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who got the highest performance rating at 67 percent and highest trust rating at 69 percent),” said Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar in a virtual presser.

Andanar assured the public that Duterte’s signature “Tapang at Malasakit” (courage and compassion) brand of leadership will continue until the end of his term on June 30.

“Makakaasa po kayo na ang tapang at malasakit ng ating Pangulo, ang kaniyang paglilingkod, ay mararamdaman hanggang sa huling sandali ng kaniyang termino (You can expect our President’s courage and compassion to continue until the end of his term),” he said.

According to OCTA Research’s poll results, vice presidential aspirant and Senate President Vicente Sotto III is the second most trusted and appreciated top government official, registering a satisfaction and trust scores of 60 percent and 68 percent, respectively.

Following Sotto were presidential candidate and Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo (40 percent satisfaction rating and 42 percent trust rating), House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco (20 percent satisfaction rating and 17 percent trust rating), and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo (15 percent satisfaction rating and 15 percent trust rating).

Transition plan

Andanar said the Office of the President (OP) has formed a committee that will oversee and ensure the smooth transition of power when Duterte steps down from office.

The transition committee will be led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Andanar said.

“The Office of the President created a transition committee chaired by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to prepare and implement the Office of the President’s transition plan,” he said.

The OP, Andanar said, has yet to divulge the names of committee members.

In a speech delivered in Cainta, Rizal on Tuesday, Duterte expressed willingness to serve the public even beyond his term.

Duterte, a lawyer, said he would continue helping Filipinos who would seek his advice even if he is already a civilian. (PNA)