Four of 10 Pinoys favor Cha-cha ­— survey

MANILA, Philippines - Four in 10 Filipinos are in favor of Charter change, according to a recent Pulse Asia survey.

The survey also showed that more than half of Filipinos or at least 61 percent are unaware – have not heard, read or watched anything – of the Charter change resolution filed in Congress.

On the other hand, at least 44 percent of those who are aware of the resolution agree with it. Nineteen percent were against the resolution while 36 percent were undecided.

The survey was conducted from March 19 to 26, using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above.

In Metro Manila, 58 percent favored Charter change.  Nearly the same percentage of those in the rest of Luzon and the Visayas either agree with the resolution or are ambivalent on the matter (41 percent to 45 percent versus 39 percent).

In Mindanao, almost the same percentage of respondents was either opposed to the resolution or undecided on the matter (35 percent versus 37 percent).

Meanwhile, 48 percent of respondents from Class ABC favored Charter change while almost the same percentage of those in Classes D and E are either supportive of the resolution or ambivalent on the issue (43 percent to 44 percent versus 36 percent to 39 percent).

A majority in most geographic areas and socio-economic classes reported lack of awareness on the resolution (57 percent to 72 percent and 59 percent to 73 percent, respectively).

On the other hand, majority awareness levels are recorded in Metro Manila and Class ABC (57 percent and 58 percent, respectively).  

Gratified

Proponents of amendments to the economic provisions of the Constitution said they were gratified by the results of the poll.

Marikina City Rep. Romero Quimbo said it’s about time that Filipinos recognize the urgent need to ease restrictions in the economic provisions of the Constitution to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).  

“This is the story of Southeast Asia. No FDI means no reduction in poverty because no jobs are created. That is a given,” he said.

“Our FDI is the lowest in Southeast Asia principally because of the constitutional ownership restrictions. We need to change our Constitution so it will be attuned to the globalization that’s taking place,” he added.  

Dasmariñas City Rep. Elpidio Barzaga described the result of the survey as “a positive sign.”

“Once the discussion in the plenary starts, more people will realize the importance of changing the restrictive economic provisions,” he said, adding the percentage of approval will even increase after discussions at the grassroots level.

Parañaque City Rep. Gustavo Tambunting said relaxing the restrictions on foreign ownership of certain industries “will bring in money to the economy more easily.”

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said the poll showed Filipinos now embrace the idea of major economic reforms that Congress is pushing to enable the country to sustain its growth and be more competitive.

Plenary deliberations on Resolution of Both Houses 1, which was approved by the House committee on constitutional amendments last March, are set to start anytime soon.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, president of the Centrist Democratic Party, said Congress’ approval of the resolution does not mean that amendments to the Constitution are immediately made. – With Paolo Romero, Aurea Calica