BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

RESULTS of the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations showed there is an "increasing appreciation" by the public of the leadership and policies of President Arroyo.

The third quarter survey conducted September 24 to 27 showed a net satisfaction rating of negative 27 (27 percent satisfied against 54 percent unsatisfied).

SWS said it was a "poor yet improved rating" compared to the second quarter rating of negative 38 (22 percent satisfied and 60 percent dissatisfied), and to the results of the survey commissioned by Rep. Danilo Suarez in July which showed Arroyo with a negative 50 (17 percent satisfied and 67 percent dissatisfied).

SWS’ first quarter survey showed a net satisfaction rate of negative 26.

SWS attributed the improved rating to lessening dissatisfaction in Mindanao and the Visayas.

With the improvement in the ratings, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza took a new tack on previous statements that perceptions and not reality guided the survey respondents. "Survey results can be good indicators on where the government has to work more. The government sees the recent SWS survey in this light," Dureza said.

The SWS survey showed dissatisfaction in Mindanao and Visayas was down to 50 percent and 48 percent, respectively, in the third quarter from 62 percent and 56 percent in the second quarter.