General Vote on Cha-Cha still 67% “NO”

Majority (67%) of Filipinos would still vote “No” if a plebiscite to approve a proposed new constitution were held today, unchanged since the previous quarter, according to the Third Quarter 2006 Social Weather Survey.

The Sept. 24 to Oct. 2 survey also found stronger opposition to proposed constitutional amendments to allow President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to become head of government even after 2010; create a unicameral legislature; extend the term limits of officials from 2007 to 2010 and hold schedule elections in 2010; let legislators elect the head of government; and lessen restrictions on foreign participation in the economy.

“No” votes remain dominant in all areas
A solid majority of 85% in Metro Manila will vote “No” in a plebiscite for a new constitution, similar to 83% recorded in the previous quarter.

The “No” vote is 68% in the rest of Luzon, 65% in Mindanao and 56% in the Visayas.
Four out of five (80%) of class ABC, 70% of class E and 64% of class D will also vote “No” if a plebiscite to approve a proposed new constitution were held today.

Opposition to specific amendment intensifies
Seven out of ten (69%) reject the idea of allowing President Arroyo to become head of government even after 2010, up from 44% recorded in March 2006.

Half (51%) oppose the idea of having only one chamber of Parliament elected in each district and from Party-list, up from 38% in March, implying that most Filipinos would rather continue having a Senate.

Majority (68%), compared to 50% in March, reject the idea of holding the next elections in 2010 and extending the terms of all officials.

Opposition to the idea of letting the head of government be elected by legislators instead of directly by voters likewise increased from 56% in March to 65% in September.

Two out of five (43%), compared to 25% in March, oppose lessening restrictions on foreign participation in the economy.

Survey Background
The Social Weather Surveys referred to in this release used face-to-face interviews of a national sample of 1,200 statistically representative households (300 each in Metro Manila, the Balance of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao), from 240 geographical spots selected from all regions. Error margins of ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for regional percentages should be applied.

Ituloy AngSulong kontra sa madaliang charter change!