1 in 2 Filipinos believe freedom of speech prevails under Aquino

Fifty four percent of Filipino adults believe they can speak freely under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey said.

The SWS poll, conducted from March 20 to 23 among 1,200 respondents, showed that one in two Filipinos agree with the statement, “I can say anything I want, openly and without fear, even if it is against the administration.”

Meanwhile, 22 percent said they disagreed as 24 percent remained undecided, resulting in a net +32.

Agreement was higher in the National Capital Region (61 percent, net +41) and among the socioeconomic classes ABC (64 percent, net +59).

Gov’t listening?

On the other hand, 49 percent of Filipinos agreed to the statement, “The government listens to what people like me say.”

Disagreement was at 27 percent while those undecided were at 23 percent. Results were relatively similar across all geographic areas and classes.

The survey was non-commissioned and was first published in BusinessWorld.

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