Poll: Pinoys divided on term extension

MANILA, Philippines – An administration-commissioned survey in Metro Manila showed that Filipinos are equally divided on the issue of allowing President Aquino to have another term in office.

A senior administration lawmaker disclosed that he was shown the results of a Pulse Asia survey conducted in Metro Manila early this month where a little over 30 percent out of 300 respondents were in favor of allowing a term extension for Aquino.

However, about the same percentage were against allowing Aquino to remain in office.

The lawmaker said 27 percent of the respondents remain undecided.

“The difference between those for and against term extension was small and well within the margin of error of plus or minus three percent so they’re statistically equal,” the source told The STAR.

He said the poll was apparently commissioned by “somebody in the administration” and was just one question included in the entire poll of Pulse Asia on other issues.

He said the result has apparently weakened the drive of some quarters in Malacañang to push for a second term for Aquino.

The survey was conducted at a time when Aquino made several references on his willingness to seek a second term. However, to achieve this, the political provisions of the Constitution particularly on term limits of elected officials, would have to be amended.

Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone said he believes that Aquino should run again for president and that enough numbers — or two-thirds vote of members — could be generated in the House of Representatives to amend the political provisions of the Constitution.

He however said the opposite could be the case in the Senate where there are only 24 members. - With Jess Diaz