Catholic bishops have given Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, who is celebrating his birthday today, average to below average marks for his performance as the country’s leader.

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, auxiliary bishop of Cotabato, told Church-run Radio Veritas, that Aquino only gets “5 out of 10” because of his failure to fulfill his promises to the Filipino people.

“He is weak, that is why I will only give him 5 out of 10…. Primarily, he is weak in terms of executive will in implementing [his promises],” the bishop said. “His governance is also weak,” he added.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo also gave Aquino a low rating due to his failure to address political killings in the country. “He has not solved anything,” the bishop said.

Bishop Pabillo, head of the Catholic bishops’ secretariat for social action, also chided Aquino for prioritizing a measure on birth control instead of pushing for the Freedom of Information bill.

However, Aquino maintained his popularity among the masses.

The president enjoyed a “record-high” satisfaction rating in a survey released by Philippines social survey institute, Social Weather Stations (SWS) yesterday.

The SWS said Filipinos gave the Aquino administration high marks on issues ranging from foreign relations to fighting inflation.

The survey revealed some 74 percent of 1,200 adults polled, said they were pleased with the government’s performance so far.

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