Mikey Arroyo blames 'KKK' for PNoy ratings dip

MANILA, Philippines - Ang Galing Pinoy party-list Rep. Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo on Tuesday attributed the decline of President Aquino's satisfaction ratings on his alleged inaction and coddling of cronies.

Arroyo, eldest son of former President Arroyo, said: ”PNoy should realize he is no longer on the campaign trail. That instead of attacking and blaming the past administration for his woes, he should start acting to address the country's pressing concerns.  He should be made aware that the drop in his satisfaction ratings is due to his inaction and of his coddling of his KKK. “

Minority congressmen in the House of Representatives have filed a resolution seeking an investigation of Aquino’s alleged cronies, whom they have labeled “KKK” or kaibigan (friend), kaklase (classmate) and kabarilan (shooting buddy).

The party-list congressman said that while the President is expected to deliver basic services and uplift the people's lives, the prices of basic commodities, unemployment, and the number of people going hungry are all rising. Arroyo also twitted Aquino for his lifestyle.

“There's less food on the table. And yet the only thing people can relate PNoy to is his dates with different girls and his fancy for luxury sports cars,” he said.

Aquino’s party mate at the Liberal Party, Rep. Winnie Castelo, also echoed some of Arroyo’s views.

“The latest survey should be viewed as an eye opener, that government should buckle down to work and focus on the deteriorating economy. The people can not just be contented on lip service. Job generation and lowering of prices is in order. Good intention is not enough. No alibi. No excuses. People expect swift and visible alleviation to their economic plight."

Coming to his defense, Nationalist People’s Coalition Rep. Rex Gatchalian said the President’s rating remains high despite the decline.

“Given that the President's satisfaction rating remains quite high, there is reason to believe that majority of Filipinos are rallying behind his reform agenda. The NPC believes that every citizen should consolidate behind the reform agenda of the President. After all, governance and moving this country forward is not just the job of the President but rather its every citizen's responsibility," he said.

UP Professor Clarita Carlos thinks the 5 percentage-point drop in Aquino's net satisfaction may be insignificant if the margin of error is + or – 4 points. “It may come from many reasons….people’s expectations that corrupt officials will go to jail. Reasons speculative.”