According to Pew Research Center, an international research center which conducted a survey on 1,000 Filipinos last February to May 2017. Majority of Filipinos are still in favor of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
“Duterte is well-liked domestically and his policies, including his approach to the war on drugs, are generally popular among Filipinos,” the study says.
Despite international concerns leveled by various governments regarding Duterte’s clashes with those who are involved in illegal drugs, Filipinos still put their faith on the hands of the president in terms of achieving a peaceful nation.
According to the survey, 86% of Filipinos have favorable view of President Duterte, while 78% approve of the president’s handling of illegal drugs, and 62% say that the Philippine government is making progress in campaign against illegal drugs.
From the 86% of Filipinos who are in favor of the present administration, 41% said they are “very favorable”.
Also, Pew Research Center’s statistics stated that majority of Filipinos are satisfied with the way things are going in the country, garnering 57% of the survey compared to 36% three years ago.
“Moreover, 78% believe that the economic situation in the Philippines is good, while only 20% say the economy is in bad shape,” the study says.
The research also found that a large majority of Filipinos (86%) hold a favorable opinion of Duterte, with 41% of them are holding a very favorable opinion of the president while only 12% of Filipinos have an unfavorable view of Duterte.
On five major issues of the country, two-thirds approved President Duterte’s job on handling the issues, including 80% on handling the economy, 78% approved his managing illegal drugs, while 68%, 66%, 64% on crime, corruption, and terrorism respectively.
“Large majorities also support his stance on crime, corruption and terrorism. Duterte’s handling of these issues garners widespread approval within the Philippines, regardless of demographic group,” according to the research.
In terms of the strongman President Duterte’s approach on war on drugs, 62% believed that the government is consistently making progress in its campaign against illegal drugs.
Malacañan Palace acknowledged this study and stated that the government will still be consistent with the war on drugs. “Our campaign against illegal drugs and criminals continues to get unwavering support from our people.”
“The campaign against illegal drugs, as the President said, would be relentless until the drug apparatus is dismantled, the last drug pusher is out of the streets, and the last drug trafficker behind bars,” according to the statement.