Philippine president "grateful" to typhoon victims

Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday expressed his gratitude to typhoon victims who rated his performance as "very good" in a survey conducted by research institute Social Weather Stations (SWS).

Presidential Communications Operation Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said Aquino was gratified that those affected by super typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Yolanda, appreciated and approved the government's actions.

"It is gratifying that those who suffered greatly appreciate what their President and government have done to ease their pain and alleviate their plight, despite the shortcomings and challenges still being hurdled," Coloma said.

The SWS survey, conducted on Dec. 11 to 16, showed that typhoon victims gave Aquino a net satisfaction rating of "very good" or + 54, which is higher than the net approval rating of +48 or "good" given by non-victims.

Of those who suffered serious harm during the recent super typhoon, 73 percent said they were satisfied with Aquino's performance as against the 19 percent who were dissatisfied.

Following the onslaught of Haiyan in November, the government of Aquino had been criticized for the delay in delivering relief goods and other aid needed by typhoon victims.