FILIPINO voters strongly support measures aimed at easing the cost of living as well as reforms and actions that promote accountability among public officials, the latest Pahayag national survey released on Monday showed.
The survey found that economic relief was the top priority among respondents, with 75 percent supporting the temporary suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene for three months to help cushion the impact of rising fuel costs.
On political reforms, 74 percent backed the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Bill, which seeks to prohibit political dynasties up to the second degree of consanguinity and affinity.
Meanwhile, 73 percent supported a people’s initiative led by civic groups to pass a stricter anti-political dynasty law through a national referendum.
The survey also showed broad support for accountability measures involving public officials.
Seven in 10 respondents, or 70 percent, approved of the sanctions imposed by the House of Representatives on Rep. Bong Suntay over his remarks about actress Anne Curtis. The penalties included community service, attendance at a gender sensitivity seminar, and a public apology.
A majority of respondents also supported other accountability-related actions.
Fifty-nine percent favored the Department of Justice’s directive for the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police to enforce the arrest of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court.
Meanwhile, 56 percent supported the transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte from the House of Representatives to the Senate.
The survey likewise found majority support for government intervention to address rising food prices, with 55 percent backing the temporary imposition of a P50 price ceiling on imported rice.
In addition, 54 percent supported the expulsion of Kiko Barzaga following sanctions related to his conduct on social media.
The pollster said that the survey results indicate that voters continue to prioritize policies that provide immediate economic assistance while promoting ethical conduct and accountability in government.
The survey was conducted from June 28 to 30 using purposive sampling. It covered 1,509 registered Filipino voters randomly selected from the market research panel of US-based PureSpectrum. The survey has a margin of error of ±3 percentage points nationwide.
