Latest SWS survey on Filipinos supporting martial law elates Palace

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella TOTO LOZANO/ Presidential Photo

Malacañang on Wednesday welcomed the recent result of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing majority of Filipinos support the martial law declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte in Mindanao.

READ: Majority of Filipinos back Duterte’s martial law – SWS

“The positive public response indicates that they believe the factual and legal basis of the proclamation of martial law for Mindanao, which includes the Maute group’s attempt to remove allegiance from the government and to deprive the Chief Executive of his powers to enforce the laws and maintain public order and safety. Hence, the need for the call of martial law, in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, as provided by the Constitution,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

A second quarter SWS survey released on Tuesday showed 57 percent of Filipinos backed Duterte’s martial law decree.

“This validates the Filipino people’s ‘very good’ satisfaction rating of PRRD when the survey was conducted from June 23-26, 2017, or exactly a month after Proclamation 216 was issued last May 23,” Abella said.

An SWS survey conducted from June 23 to 26 revealed that Duterte reached a record-high net public satisfaction rating of +66. The survey was conducted a month after the President placed the entire Mindanao under martial rule.

On the second quarter survey, majority of Filipinos, except in Mindanao, opposed the expansion of martial law in Luzon and Visayas.

The President has said that he might expand the coverage of his martial law in Luzon and Visayas if the Islamic-inspired terrorists reached the islands.

“As to the same survey showing that majority, except in Mindanao, opposes expanding martial law in Luzon and in the Visayas, it is noteworthy to mention that all these would depend on the situation on the ground as assessed and recommended by military and police authorities,” Abella said. JPV