Manila, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – Filipinos’ lovefest with movies, actors and film awards is no secret. From politics to gossip columns, actors have a special place in everyone’s heart. Actors become politicians. Politicians turn into great actors.

A new nationwide poll shows that Philippine President NoyNoy Aquino’s approval rating has gone up in just the last week to an unprecedented 99 percent, the highest ever rating for any president anywhere in the world.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda attributed the sudden jump in Aquino’s rating to the release of film trailers and posters of a new film featuring the president and his embattled Budget Secretary Florencio Abad. The 3-D film is co-produced by the Presidential Communications Group and the Office of Budget and Management.

The Aquino administration is in the middle of a big controversy regarding its use of  the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) or non-discretionary funds for questionable projects. The Philippine Supreme Court recently ruled that Aquino’s actions were unconstitutional. Abad tendered his resignation as a result of the controversy , but Aquino stood by his man and refused to accept the resignation.

The new film, “Himala” (Miracle), is about the hocus pocus that both men engaged in with regards to the discretionary funds. It is a true-to-life story about the bond that exists between employer and employee.  Critics were unanimous in predicting that the film will win the major awards in the  ongoing Kasinungalingan Film Festival in Metro Manila.  Both Aquino and Abad are contenders for the best actor award.

Ironically, “Himala” is also the title of a previous award-winning film starring Nora Aunor whose nomination for the honor of National Artist was snubbed by Aquino.