By CNN Philippines Staff, 19 Mar 2021
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19)— A majority of Filipinos believed it is “dangerous” to print or broadcast things critical of the administration, according to a recent survey.
A Social Weather Stations survey conducted November last year and released Friday found that 65% of adult Filipinos agreed with the statement, “It is dangerous to print or broadcast anything critical of the administration, even if it is the truth.” Of this number, 29% said they strongly agree, while 37% somewhat agreed, SWS said.
Sixteen percent meanwhile disagreed the statement, while 18% said they were undecided.
The data provides a “strong” net agreement score of +49, up by 28 points from the moderate +21 recorded in July 2020.
The independent pollster noted that the net agreement with this statement rose in all areas nationwide. Mindanao logged the highest net score of +58, followed by Visayas (+55), Balance Luzon (+47), and Metro Manila (+30).
More Filipinos also agree they can ‘speak freely’
On the other hand, SWS also reported that more Filipinos — a total of 65% — agreed with the statement, “I can say anything I want, openly and without fear, even if it is against the administration.” Of the percentage, 31% said they strongly agree, while 34% somewhat agreed.
Nineteen percent disagreed, while 16% remain undecided, it added.
SWS said that net agreement with this second statement rose in both Mindanao and Visayas, which tallied increases of 23 points and 12 points, respectively, but fell in Metro Manila, where it went down by 17 points.
The nationwide poll was conducted through face-to-face interviews and included a sample of 1,500 adults.
The survey had a ±2.5% error margin, ±4% for Balance Luzon, and ±6% for Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Gov’t: Freedom of speech guaranteed under Constitution
Malacañang, in response to the latest survey results, said people should exercise their right to freedom of speech which is guaranteed under the Constitution.
“At ang Presidente naman, bilang abogado, ay sumumpa na ipatutupad ang ating Saligang Batas kasama ang Bill of Rights,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a media briefing.
[Translation: And the President, as a lawyer, took an oath to implement the provisions of the Constitution as well as the Bill of Rights.]
June 2025
Philippine Environment Month!
“Action for Nature, for the Future!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations
against serious violations of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideosturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
1 Jun – World Day of Parents
5 Jun – World Environment Day
7 Jun – World Food Safety Day
8 Jun – World Oceans Day
12 Jun – World Day Against Child Labour
15 Jun – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
16 Jun – International Day of Family Remittances
17 Jun – World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
20 Jun – World Refugee Day
25 Jun – Day of the Seafarer
27 Jun – Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day
Daily Observances:
June 6: Migrant Workers Day
June 19: Filipino Youth Day
June 25: Day of the Filipino Seafarer
