Six out of 10 Filipinos believe that they have the freedom of speech, saying anything even if it is against the administration, a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations has found out.
The nationwide survey conducted last June 22 to 26 among 1,200 respondents found that 59 percent said “they can say anything they want, openly and without fear, even if it is against the administration.” On the other hand, 18 percent disagreed while 23 percent were undecided.
This translates to a net agreement score (percentage of those who agree minus percentage of those who disagree) of +41, classified by SWS as “very strong.” It is 18 points above the “moderate” +23 in December 2018.
The statement was first tested by SWS in July 1985, during the Marcos regime, and found only 33 percent who agreed, while 29 percent disagreed, for a record-low net agreement of a “neutral” +3.
Net agreement rose to a “strong” +39 in May 1986, and reached its all-time high of very strong +63 in March 1987.
SWS said freedom of speech has been probed 40 times from 1985 to the present. Its net score averaged +33 during the administration of President Corazon Aquino, +38 in the time of President Fidel Ramos, +41 in the time of President Joseph Estrada, +34 in the time of President Gloria M. Arroyo, and +32 in the time of President Benigno S. Aquino III. (Ellalyn Ruiz)
