Philippines’ Duterte has high support rate in poll

A new poll shows Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval rating is above 70 percent. The high figure is expected to bolster his tough policies. A private research firm released the results on Thursday. 76 percent of those surveyed said they were satisfied with Duterte’s performance, compared with 11 percent who said they weren’t. (Image: Reproduction/NHK) The results come as Duterte faces international criticism for his deadly anti-drug campaign. Nearly 1,400 people have been killed in a nationwide crackdown on drug dealers and users since Duterte took office in June. The United Nations, the United States and other parties are calling on the Philippine president to uphold human rights. He has repeatedly lashed out at the US over the criticism, and made disparaging remarks about President Barack Obama. Duterte has also suggested a review of military cooperation with the US. Despite such controversy, people in the Philippines apparently have high hopes...