Public support growing for amendments to 1987 Charter’s economic provisions—poll

MANILA, Philippines — A fresh wave of public opinion showed growing support for amending the 1987 Constitution’s economic provisions.

According to the latest survey conducted by Tangere,62.9 percent or 7 out of 10 of Filipinos are in favor of the proposed Constitutional Amendment on Economic Reforms, reflecting a slight uptick from the previous month’s 62.4 percent.

The survey indicates the Filipinos’ economic optimism, with hopes that these amendments could be the key to unlocking tangible benefits. Notably, 75 percent of respondents believe the reforms will create more jobs and reduce the prices of goods and services, while 73 percent foresee increases in salaries and work benefits.

Furthermore, 72 percent of those surveyed anticipate accelerated economic growth, painting a picture of widespread hope for a brighter economic future.

Support for the proposed amendments varies significantly across the archipelago. Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, and the Visayas show heightened enthusiasm, while Mindanao and Southern Luzon exhibit more tempered backing.

Demographically, younger Filipinos aged 18 to 45 expressed stronger support compared to their older counterparts. These nuances suggest a broad but uneven appetite for change that policy makers must navigate carefully.

While optimism prevails, the survey also highlights reservations among the public. Concerns about potential drawbacks include fears of worsening corruption (40 percent) and increased competition from foreign businesses (37 percent). These concerns point to a critical balancing act for the government: fostering economic growth while safeguarding national interests and ensuring fairness for local businesses.

The survey pinpoints specific areas where reforms are gaining traction. Notably, seven out of ten Filipinos support amending Article XII on National Patrimony and Economy, particularly regarding foreign ownership of public utilities. Proponents argue that such changes could lead to lower utility costs for essentials like water and electricity, a prospect that resonates deeply with citizens.

The survey, conducted between Dec. 17 and 19, 2024, employed a mobile-based respondent application, gathering data from 1,500 participants through stratified random sampling.

With a margin of error of ±2.5 percent at a 95 percent confidence level, the study’s findings reflect a comprehensive snapshot of Filipino sentiment. The proportional representation across regions further bolsters its credibility, with participants from NCR (12 percent), Northern Luzon (23 percent), Southern Luzon (22 percent), Visayas (20 percent), and Mindanao (23 percent).