More back economic Charter change – poll

(UPDATE) THE latest survey of Tangere showed growing public support for amending the Constitution’s economic provisions.

In the survey, 62.9 percent or 7 out of 10 respondents favor economic reforms, up from the previous month’s 62.4 percent

The increase is a sign of 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.

Seventy-two percent anticipate accelerated economic growth.

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

Demographically, younger Filipinos ages 18 to 45 are leading the charge, expressing stronger support than their older counterparts.

While optimism prevails, the survey also highlights reservations, including fears of worsening corruption (40 percent) and increased competition from foreign businesses (37 percent).

The survey identified specific areas where reforms are gaining traction. Seven out of 10 respondents support amending Article XII on National Patrimony and Economy, particularly regarding foreign ownership of public utilities.

Proponents argue that attracting foreign firms to do business in the country could lead to lower utility costs for essentials like water and electricity.

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

The regions were proportionally represented, with 12 percent of the respondents from NCR (12 percent), 23 percent from Northern Luzon, 22 percent from Southern Luzon, 20 percent from the Visayas, and 23 percent from Mindanao.

Tangere is an innovation-driven market research and public opinion polling. It is a member of the Marketing and Opinion Research Society of the Philippines, the Philippine Association of National Advertisers, and the Philippine Marketing Association.