SWS: 75% of Filipinos unaware of federalism

THREE of four Filipinos, or 75 percent of the population, have no knowledge about the federal system of government being lobbied by President Rodrigo Duterte, based on a survey released by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) on Thursday, June 28.

The March 23 to 27 survey found that out of four Filipinos, only one is aware of the proposed shift to federalism.

“Twenty-five percent [of] Filipino adults nationwide said they know about the federal system of government, while 75 percent learned about it only during the survey,” the SWS noted.

Public awareness about federalism is highest at 37 percent in Duterte’s bailiwick in MIndanao, followed by Metro Manila (28 percent), Visayas (22 percent), and Balance Luzon (20 percent).

Half, or 50 percent of the respondents who are college graduates, were familiar with the federal system of government. They were followed by high school graduates (26 percent), non-elementary graduates (17 percent), and elementary graduates (16 percent).

Awareness of the proposed shift to federalism was most pronounced among 51 percent of Muslims, followed by Iglesia ni Cristo members (37 percent), other Christians (32 percent), and Catholics (22 percent).

The survey also showed that only 37 percent agreed with the planned shift to a federal state from the current unitary type of government, while 29 percent opposed the proposal.

Around 34 percent were ambivalent on whether to accept or not the proposed federalism.

The poll results yielded a net score of “neutral” +7 when it comes to public’s approval of the proposed federalism.

Duterte has sought to amend the Constitution to establish a federal government, in a bid to correct inequality in the country, especially in Mindanao, and spur the economy.

Duterte’s consultative committee, which was formed through Executive Order 10, has been conducting a series of meetings to review the 1987 Constitution and come up with proposed amendments that will be endorsed by the President for Congress’ consideration.

Sought for reaction, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the Duterte government would double its efforts in promoting the proposed federalism to the public.

“Well, I think everyone in government should exert more effort in popularizing, number one, the need to shift to a federal form of government, its advantages to the people and its effect to everyday lives of the common people,” Roque told Palace reporters.

“That (federal state) is the cornerstone of the Duterte administration, together with the drive against corruption, the drive against illegal drugs, comfortable lives for all,” he added.

The SWS interviewed 1,2000 adult Filipinos, using sampling error margins of ±3 percentage points for national percentages, and ±6 percentage points each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. (SunStar Philippines)