The latest polling by Pulse Asia on the Performance Rating of the Top 5 Government Officials and Selected Cabinet Members and Other Government Officials shows the administration of PNoy still enjoying tremendous public support. The survey which was conducted from October 20-29, 2010 cemented the impression provided by the SWS national survey which was held from September 24-27, 2010 that PNoy’s ratings have almost returned to their previous highs right after the election.

It is perhaps worthwhile recalling why such trust ratings are important. Trust is a measure of social cohesion, which when it breaks down, makes the business of governing all the more difficult. It is important over the coming years for PNoy’s trust ratings to rub-off on the government itself. When people trust their government, they are more willing to pay their taxes correctly. There is a greater level of civic participation and involvement when trust and social cohesion are present. Without these, gridlock and polarization result as what we witnessed in the aftermath of the US mid-term elections.