Ever find yourself feeling a little more apprehensive about sharing criticisms towards the government? You’re not alone—a special Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted last month showed that citizens think broadcasting anything critical of the government is dangerous.
Out of the 1,555 adults surveyed nationwide, 51 percent agreed with the statement “It is dangerous to print or broadcast anything critical of the administration, even if it is the truth.” Of this percentage, 23 percent said they strongly agreed with the statement while 27 percent said they somewhat agree.
There was stronger agreement from residents of Mindanao and Visayas, compared to those in Metro Manila and Luzon provinces outside the National Capital Region. Meanwhile, 30 percent disagreed with the statement and 18 percent were undecided.
The SWS’ survey was released following several petitions filed at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the controversial Anti-Terror Act. The law also received criticism as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay suggested including provisions on regulating social media use.
[READ: Status update: AFP wants anti-terror law to include social media regulation]
Header photo by Grig Montegrande of Inquirer.net
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