Eighty-seven percent of Filipinos consider improving cybersecurity and data privacy as a “critical priority,” especially after recent government data breaches, based on the Publicus Asia survey results released on Tuesday, April 2.
The survey also found that Filipinos are most concerned about livelihood support and government assistance, specifically on raising the minimum daily wage (78 percent) and providing free tuition at state and local universities and colleges (74 percent).
Others were most concerned with establishing a living wage (72 percent), distributing various government assistance or “ayuda” (69 percent), establishing a reciprocal access agreement between Japan and the Philippines (64 percent), and extending the public utility vehicle consolidation deadline (61 percent).
Publicus Asia said issues of “medium” importance are revising economic provisions in the current Constitution (57 percent) and implementing mall voting for the 2025 midterm elections (55 percent).
Meanwhile, concerns considered as “lesser importance” include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public and private sectors and academe (39 percent), implementation of “half-cup rice” for all restaurants (38 percent), privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (38 percent), and removal of the senior citizen discount purchase booklet (36 percent).
The “least important” on the list of national issues are Charter change (28 percent); allowing the International Criminal Court to arrest former President Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and others (28 percent); and inserting unprogrammed funds into the 2024 national budget (22 percent).
The “Pahayag 2024 First Quarter Survey” is an independent and non-commissioned survey conducted from March 14 to 18, with 1,500 respondents nationwide.