Philippine President Arroyo looking better in poll

Manila: Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is still unpopular among Filipinos but the number has dropped from three months ago, according to a recent poll.

The Social Weather Stations (SWS) said in a poll released on Monday that 27 per cent of respondents were satisfied with Arroyo's performance.

Fifty-four per cent of respondents were dissatisfied, showing a net rating of negative 27. However, this is six per cent less than Arroyo's negative rating last year.

A political adviser to Arroyo said the improvement came about because people now appreciate her leadership qualities, and her handling of the rising prices of food and fuel.

"There is apparently an increasing appreciation of the president's leadership and policies in fortifying the country's preparedness against crisis situations, such as the current global financial turmoil," Gabriel Claudio told reporters.

The ratings were published on the same day that opposition groups filed an impeachment complaint against Arroyo in the House of Representatives over rights violations, corruption and a kickbacks scandal.