Pulse Asia: Pinoys more hopeful fight vs. corruption can succeed

Published October 9, 2014 10:17am

(Updated 2:58 p.m.) More Filipinos are optimistic that the fight against corruption in government can succeed compared to three months ago, according to a new survey by pollster Pulse Asia released Thursday.

Pulse Asia's survey conducted September 8 to 15 showed 48 percent believe it is possible to successfully fight the corruption of officials in using public funds.

"Amidst the decline in the level of concern for the need to fight corruption in government, 48 percent of Filipinos are hopeful that corruption in the use of public funds can still be successfully addressed. This opinion is shared by big pluralities to small majorities across geographic areas and socio-economic classes (45 to 54 percent and 47 to 54 percent, respectively)," Pulse Asia said.

When asked to agree or disagree with the statement, "We can still successfully fight the corruption of officials in using public funds," 48 percent agreed, while 23 percent disagreed and 28 percent were undecided.

In June, 45 percent of Filipinos agreed with the statement while 28 percent disagreed, and 27 percent were undecided.

Hopefulness was highest in March 2014, with 52 percent agreeing, 24 percent disagreeing, and 24 percent undecided.

In December 2013, 39 percent agreed with the statement while 43 percent disagreed and 17 percent were undecided.

When he ran for president in 2010, then-Senator Benigno Aquino III adopted an anti-corruption platform, with the slogan "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap." The Aquino administration has since adopted the line "Daang Matuwid" for its anti-corruption campaign.

Among the more high-profile graft-related issues under Aquino's watch are the alleged P10-billion pork barrel scam where several personalities including three senators are detained over graft and plunder charges and the alleged overpricing in the construction of the Makati City Hall Building II.

Controversy also arose regarding some lawmakers' use of the Disbursement Acceleration Program, portions of which were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Hopefulness vs. corruption

The survey showed hopefulness—and indecision—among Filipinos of successfully dealing with corruption became more pronounced between December 2013 and September 2014.

During this time, there was a +9 increase in those who agreed with the statement (48 percent in September, 39 percent in December) and an +11 increase in those who were undecided (28 percent in September, 17 percent in December).

On the other hand, there was a 20-percent drop in those who disagreed (23 percent in September, 43 percent in December).

Pulse Asia also noted the levels of agreement on successfully fighting corruption in government between December 2013 and September 2014 went up in the Visayas by +19 percentage points and Class ABC by +20 percentage points.

But indecision became more notable in the rest of Luzon by +14 percentage points, Class D by +12 points, and Class E by +14 points.

"As for disagreement, it becomes less manifest in all geographic areas and socio-economic groupings (-16 to -29 and -18 to -27 percentage points, respectively)," Pulse Asia said.

Methodology

The nationwide survey interviewed 1,200 people aged 18 and up, and has a ± 3% error margin at the 95-percent confidence level.

Subnational estimates for geographic areas including Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao have a ± 6% error margin, also at 95% confidence level.

At the time the survey was taken, the following issues topped the headlines:

the ongoing Senate investigation into reported overpricing in the Makati CityHall Building II where wtnesses claimed the bidding was rigged.
Albay Gov. Jose Salceda suggested that Vice President Jejomar Binay be impeached over corruption charges in connection with the alleged overpricing.
junking of three impeachment complaints against President Benigno Aquino III, which were found insufficient in substance.
the 90-day suspension slapped on Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile emanating from the alleged P10-billion pork barrel mess.
arrest of the suspects in a foiled "bombing attempt" at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 Sept. 1.
confirmation of Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. as Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff.
President Aquino's request to Congress for emergency powers so he can address an impending energy crisis in 2015.
the transmittal of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Congress
calls for the resignation of PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima over crimes involving policemen and President Aquino's expression of trust in him.
a reported statement by Vice President Binay regarding his preference for trader Manuel Pangilinan as his running mate in May 2016.
talks of a second term for President Aquino.
Catholic Church leaders' preparations for Pope Francis' visit in January.
public uproar against the construction of a condominium tower in Manila that threatens to ruin the view of the Rizal Monument.
oath-taking of Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza as the newest member of the Supreme Court.
President Aquino's visit to Europe and the United States.
port congestion in Manila.
continuing woes experienced by passengers of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3.

— Joel Locsin/RSJ, GMA News

Tags: pulseasia, corruptioningovernment