Market research company Tangere revealed that six out of 10 Filipinos remain supportive of proposals to amend the economic provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, based on a survey conducted from Sept. 18 to 20.
The survey results showed that 61.4 percent of Filipinos support the proposed constitutional amendment, a slight increase from the previous month’s 60.9 percent.
Tangere noted that support varied regionally, with higher levels in Northern Luzon and Central Luzon, while Mindanao and Bicol Region showed lower support.
Demographically, younger respondents aged 26 to 45, are more likely to support the proposed amendment.
The survey also showed that Filipinos are optimistic that the proposed amendments will lead to economic improvements, with 73 percent believing it will create more jobs, 71 percent expecting a decrease in the prices of goods and services, 70 percent anticipating higher economic growth, and 70 percent expecting an increase in salaries and work benefits.
Likewise, 68.4 percent hope for an improvement in the quality of jobs in the country.
Meanwhile, Tangere said the survey revealed the government may need to address concerns about potential negative consequences while promoting economic growth, particularly on the following concerns: potential worsening of corruption (33 percent), increase in foreign competition for local businesses (30 percent), and fear that various national issues will not be prioritized (27 percent).
It added that targeted reforms are essential, as varying levels of support for specific articles reflect the need to address the concerns of different segments of society.
Significantly, 62.5 percent support the amendment of Article XII (National Patrimony and Economy) on foreign ownership of public utilities, 59.5 percent favor the amendment of Article XVI (General Provisions) on foreign investments in advertising, and 53 percent support the amendment of Article XIV (Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture and Sports) on the participation of foreign entities in higher education.
Tangere’s survey was conducted using a mobile-based respondent application with a sample size of 1,500 participants, employing a stratified random or quota-based sampling method.
The sample was distributed across the Philippines with 12 percent from the National Capital Region, 23 percent from Northern Luzon, 22 percent from Southern Luzon, 20 percent from Visayas, and 23 percent from Mindanao.
The survey has a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.