All through the first 90 days in office as the Philippines president, Rodrigo Duterte marshaled a maniacal and bloody war on drugs and engaged in an expletive-laden verbal duel with the western leaders.
However, his first report card shows the 'trash talking president' has the unflinching backing of the country.
A countrywide Opinion survey released on Wednesday showed Duterte's first three months were rated "very good".
About 76 percent of voting-age Philippines citizens who were surveyed in the poll said they were satisfied with President's first three months in office. Only 11 percent said they were dissatisfied with the president.
The firm approval ratings have given the controversial former mayor of the southern city of Davao a headstart better than the one received by former presidents Benigno Aquino, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The survey was conducted by the Social Weather Stations, which held face-to-face interviews with the respondents.
According to the survey, Duterte enjoyed excellent ratings in his home province of Mindanao. The first president from the region enjoyed 88 percent support there, while his ratings were highly positive in other regions as well.
Rant against ally America
The controversial leader has blatantly challenged world leaders who questioned his support to the extra judicial killing of drug peddling suspects. His infamous comments on US President Barack Obama created a diplomatic row last month, while he had earlier cast aspersions on the Roman Catholic pontiff Pope Francis during the election campaign.
In his latest tirade against the US, Duterte said on Tuesday the Philippines could cut ties with the US, its historical ally.
"Eventually I might, in my time, I will break up with America. I would rather go to Russia and to China. At least even if we do not agree with the ideology, they have respect for the people. Respect is important," Duterte had said.
