President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday that his administration’s initiatives that have been well received are based on his commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos and are not influenced by approval ratings.

“Hindi ganoon ang approach namin. We don’t work according to surveys, not really,” the President said in the latest episode of his BBM Podcast aired on Wednesday.

Asked about his rising trust and approval ratings, President Marcos said his actions were directed at addressing the people’s needs and concerns, and not targeted to regain public favor.

“What we do is ‘pag may nagrereklamo, sinasabi, mahaba ang pila sa PhilHealth, ano ang puwede nating gawin para mas maginhawa?” the Chief Executive said, referring to the improved benefits and services by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

President Marcos has directed PhilHealth to ease transaction processes and delivery of healthcare services through digitalization and improve benefit packages to cover all or most of the members’ medical expenses.

President Marcos has also directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to give 50 percent fare discounts for students, persons with disability (PWDs), and senior citizens using the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 rail systems.

“‘Yung mga seniors kailangan tulungan natin. O sige, bigyan natin ng diskuwento doon sa mga tren. O tapos ‘yung commuters kasi araw-araw ‘yan eh. So anything that we can do to make things easier,” the President said.

According to OCTA Research’s Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from July 12 to 17, President Marcos’ trust ratings rose to 64 percent from 60 percent, while his performance rating increased to 62 percent from 59 percent, the highest among all top government officials included in the survey. | PND