Surveys on the Constitution since 1986

A special 55-page report, “SWS Surveys of Public Opinion on Constitutional Amendments: A Compilation of Findings from Social Weather Surveys of 1986-2016,” has just been completed, in response to a request for pertinent survey materials by the House of Representatives’ committee on constitutional amendments. It was submitted to the committee last April 12, and is now available to the public.

The compilation contains findings from 80 separate items, or survey questions, that were initiated during 1986-2016, including findings of items as they were subsequently repeated. Chronologically, there were 15 items initiated in the time of Corazon Aquino, 21 in the time of Fidel Ramos, 8 in the time of Joseph Estrada, 28 in the time of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and 8 in the time of Benigno Aquino III.

The surveys were statistically representative of the population of adult Filipinos at the time surveyed, spanning three decades. There are no restrictions on the use of the compilation, aside from a courtesy citation of its source.

To assist users, the compilation has the following brief summary. But all interpretations are welcome.  The original raw data are open for public research in the SWS Survey Data Archive.

Filipinos have been generally opposed to amending the Constitution. (In eight surveys from September 1992 to March 2011, those against any amendment have been between 59 and 86 percent; the latest was 67 percent. In priority of issues for the next president, “constitutional amendments” ranks only 19th; June 2010.)

Filipinos prefer to maintain the presidential system, rather than switch to the parliamentary system.  (Very weak -36 approval that “the head of government would be elected by the legislators instead of directly by the voters”; March 2006).

Politicians’ advocacy for constitutional amendments does not make them more electable.

Most Filipinos do not closely follow news about proposals to amend the Constitution. In the past, most rated their knowledge of it as insufficient.  (The most saying they knew it “sufficiently” was 53 percent, in September 2016.)

Filipinos generally favor modes of amendment that maximize the use of democratic processes—i.e., by delegates elected to a convention rather than by current legislators assembled for the purpose of crafting amendments.

Filipinos are consistently opposed to extending the term limits of elected officials.  Above all, they oppose allowing former presidents to run for reelection.

Filipinos generally oppose lessening restrictions on foreign participation in the economy. (Neutral +1 approval for owning land, neutral -4 approval for investing in mining, moderately strong +10 approval for investing in public utilities; September 2014).

They favor amendments that promise to bring peace in Mindanao. (Moderately strong +13 approval to change “ARMM to a new and expanded autonomous area which will be called Bangsamoro,” December 2012; 77 percent to “vote for amendments in the Constitution if needed in order to have peace in Mindanao,” March 2014.)

Their support for the creation of regional governments has grown slightly. (In September 2008, regarding any or all of three amendments to be done after 2010, 30 percent favored increasing the proportion of foreign investment in certain economic sectors, 24 percent favored the parliamentary system, 13 percent favored the federal system, and 33 percent favored none of them.)

Opinions on proposals to amend the Constitution matter. SWS will continue surveying about it.

Contact mahar.mangahas@sws.org.ph.