Politically speaking, midterm elections act as a barometer for the popularity of the incumbent president, a referendum on his policies and programs. By the end of 2018, based on the Pulse Asia Ulat ng Bayan survey, Duterte’s net approval rating improved to 74 percent compared to 65 percent the previous quarter. As they currently stand, the net approval and trust ratings should make Duterte happy given the upward movement from the previous results. Favorable ratings—whether approval, trust or satisfaction—should mean a continued association with the president from those who are exposed as allies. For the country’s sake, the elections should not be won that way.

Source: Philippine Star February 16, 2019 09:56 UTC