Abra lawmaker tops RPMD Foundation’s job performance assessment

BAGUIO CITY (May 2, 2025)— Abra lawmaker Menchie Bernos bested five of her Cordillera congressmen-colleagues at the most recent job performance assessment ‘Boses ng Bayan' by RPMD Foundation Inc. (RPMD).

Rep. Bernos had an impressive approval rating of 89.9% maintaining her consistent hold on the top spot, “a testament to her unwavering dedication and effective governance as recognized by her constituents,” she beamed.

The independent and non-commissioned survey evaluated the Cordillera representatives based on key parameters: district representation, legislative performance, and constituent service. 

Dr. Paul Martinez, Global Affairs Analyst and Executive Director of RPMD said, the representatives in the Cordillera region have shown significant improvements in their ratings, while highlighting the remarkable performance of Rep. Bernos who has, “consistently excelled in delivering legislative results and addressing the needs of her district.”

Following Bernos, is Baguio lawmaker Marquez Go and Benguet Rep. Eric Go Yap sharing the second position with approval ratings of 87.5% and 86.8%, respectively. Their strong showing underscores their practical engagement with constituencies and notable legislative contributions, the RPMD assessment noted. 

Meanwhile, Apayao lawmaker Eleanor Bulut-Begtang with a rating of 83.1%, and Mt. Province Rep. Maximo Dalog with 82.4%, statistically tied for third place, while Ifugao Rep. Solomon Chungalao secured the fourth rank with 78.6%, while Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang was fifth with a 75.3% approval rating.

The 'Boses ng Bayan' CAR survey is part of a broader nationwide initiative conducted by RPMD from October 1 to 10, 2024. 

This comprehensive assessment involved 10,000 respondents across various regions, with a margin of error of plus or minus 1%. Dr. Martinez emphasized that the survey results accurately reflect the public's sentiments toward their elected officials. 

He noted that such outcomes could significantly influence the political landscape, either bolstering the prospects of incumbents seeking reelection or prompting strategic reassessments by those trailing behind.

The continued recognition of top-performing legislators through initiatives like 'Boses ng Bayan' underscores the importance of accountability and effective public service, Dr. Martinez explained. As constituents increasingly demand transparency and tangible results, Representatives must elevate their performance to meet these expectations, he added.

Bernos' sustained excellence serves as both an inspiration and a benchmark for her peers in CAR and beyond, Dr. Martinez reiterated.