Filipinos see drug war as Duterte's biggest achievement – survey

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 23) — Majority of Filipinos believe the war on drugs is the Duterte administration's most important achievement since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in July 2016, according to a survey.

Pulse Asia released its survey findings on Monday ahead of Duterte's third State of the Nation Address.

Related: Duterte to deliver third SONA

The survey's 1,800 respondents were asked on what they think is the most important accomplishment of Duterte and his administration since they took office in July 2016. Their top of mind: efforts to eradicate illegal drugs, with a score of 69 percent.

Over 102,000 anti-drug operations were conducted during the first two years of the fight against illegal drugs. A total of 147,000 drug personalities were arrested, while P14.66 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized, according to government records. With this success, there is also a downside: 4,354 drug personalities died during anti-drug operations July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018, official data showed.

The survey said the administration's other top achievements are fighting criminality (50 percent), salary increase for security forces (30 percent), fighting corruption (28 percent), the free tuition in public universities and colleges (21 percent).

Meanwhile, respondents also detailed what they wanted to hear when Duterte delivers his third SONA Monday afternoon.

Fifty-six percent said they want Duterte to emphasize job creation, while 52 percent want him to discuss efforts to control rising prices of basic commodities.

The survey was conducted from June 15 to 21.