Nograles: Duterte's trust, approval ratings could translate to bigger economic deals

President Rodrigo Duterte's record of being the most approved and trusted president in the last 20 years could translate to bigger economic deals for the Philippines, House appropriations committee chair Karlo Nograles said on Sunday.

This, after independent pollster Pulse Asia said Duterte got an 80 percent trust and approval rating, higher than any of ratings earned by the three presidents who preceded him.

"Investor confidence in the Philippines just went through the roof. And with the ASEAN Summit right around the corner, we can expect the country to receive a tidal wave of foreign investments and financial packages that otherwise won't be offered to us with a different president," Nograles said in a statement.

Based on the results of the September 2017 Pulse Asia survey, Duterte garnered more trust and satisfaction ratings compared to former Presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III.

"That's nearly two decades worth of leadership. Now that's what you call pogi points," Nograles said.

The Davao City lawmaker said Duterte's ratings only show that he is not a corrupt leader, which increases foreign investor confidence.

Nograles attributed Duterte's high trust and approval ratings to his relentless campaign against illegal drugs and corruption.

"It's the President's sincerity and resolve to solve these longstanding ills that have truly resonated with the Filipinos. They feel that Duterte is the best man for job and it continues to be reflected in the survey," he said.

Nograles noted that countries such as China and Japan have already noticed this.

China, for instance, has already pledged $24 billion in loans and grants primarily for infrastructure projects under the administration's "Build, Build, Build" program.

The Japanese government, meanwhile, has signed business deals with the Philippines amounting to $6 billion from 18 companies.

Nograles is expecting that more huge agreements will be made as the Philippines hosts the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings this week, and Duterte, as the current chairman of the inter-state organization, "has put the country's best foot forward." —ALG, GMA News