54% of Filipinos want immediate passage of anti-dynasty law

Fifty-four percent of Filipino adults surveyed agree that a law banning political dynasties should be immediately passed in the country, the latest poll by Pulse Asia Research showed.

The survey, conducted from December 12 to 15, showed that 21% of Filipinos “very much agree” and 33% said they “somewhat agree” when asked about the statement: “Congress should immediately pass a law banning political dynasties.”

With a “small majority” of Filipino adults supporting the immediate passage of the law, agreement was highest among those in Metro Manila (69%), the rest of Luzon (59%), the Visayas (59%), and members of Class D (57%).

Meanwhile, 27% said they could not say whether they agree or disagree on the matter.

On the other hand, 18% of Filipinos nationwide disagree with the passage of the law, of which 13% said they “somewhat disagree” and 5% said they “very much disagree.”

The survey also showed that opposition was highest in Mindanao at 27% and among members of Class C at 20%.

Creation of anti-infra corruption body

The survey further found that 52% of respondents see the urgency of passing a law to establish the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC), a fully empowered independent body that would investigate corruption in infrastructure projects.

“Bare to sizeable majorities in Metro Manila (67%), the rest of Luzon (52%), the Visayas (61%), Class D (54%), and Class E (51%) share the same opinion on the matter,” Pulse Asia said.

However, 33% of Filipino adults were undecided on the matter, while 15% said they do not see the need for passing such a law immediately. Opposition was highest in Mindanao at 24% and among members of Class C at 20%.

The independent survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with a sample of 1,200 adults aged 18 years and above.

It has a ±2.8% error margin at the 95% confidence level. Meanwhile, a ±5.7% error margin was applied for Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, also at a 95% confidence level.

Last November, the House of Representatives said it would shift its focus to pushing for laws abolishing political dynasties and creating an independent body to probe ghost infrastructure projects.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. later called on Congress to prioritize the passage of measures against political dynasties and the proposed Independent People’s Commission Act.—MCG, GMA Integrated News