On Dabawenyos’ Perceived Integrity, Trust, and Performance of the Philippine Legislature

The Institute of Popular Opinion (IPO) at the University of Mindanao has undertaken an extensive survey to delve into the perceptions of Dabawenyos regarding the integrity, trustworthiness, and performance of the Senate and House of Representatives. Prompted by recent controversies and events affecting both legislative bodies, the survey aimed to provide valuable insights into public sentiment towards key institutions of governance. Conducted from April 4 to 15, 2024, the survey garnered responses from 1,176 households across Davao City's three political districts, offering a comprehensive analysis of public opinion.

When asked to rate the integrity of the Senate and House of Representatives, Dabawenyos expressed a mixed range of sentiments. Approximately 48.6% of respondents perceived the Senate as "moderately trustworthy," while 23.5% indicated "low trust." Similarly, 43.2% of respondents attributed "moderate trust" to the House of Representatives, with 26.1% reporting "low trust." Notably, only a negligible 2% of respondents expressed "very high trust" in both legislative bodies. Disaggregation by political district revealed varying levels of trust, with Districts 1 and 3 exhibiting higher instances of moderate and low trust compared to District 2.

Concerns regarding corruption within both houses of Congress were evident among respondents, with 46.3% identifying corruption as an "extreme problem" in the Senate and 47.6% expressing the same sentiment towards the House of Representatives. Moreover, a significant portion of respondents remained neutral on the issue, indicating widespread apprehensions regarding the prevalence of corruption within legislative institutions.

The survey also explored public attitudes towards Charter Change through People's Initiative, particularly amidst allegations of coercion and manipulation. Responses varied, with approximately one-third of Dabawenyos expressing neutrality towards the initiative, while others voiced concerns regarding the potential misuse of social welfare programs for political gain. Additionally, the concept of Charter Change initiated by Congress elicited mixed reactions, reflecting uncertainties surrounding the legislative process and public trust in institutional integrity.

Opinions regarding the performance of the Senate and House of Representatives diverged, with a notable proportion of respondents adopting a neutral stance. Approximately 49% of respondents refrained from providing a definitive assessment of the Senate's performance, while 48.8% adopted a neutral position towards the House of Representatives. Moreover, sentiments regarding performance ranged from somewhat positive to somewhat negative, highlighting the complexity of evaluating legislative efficacy amidst evolving political dynamics.

Expert Analysis. The survey findings underscore the nuanced perceptions and concerns of Dabawenyos regarding the integrity, trustworthiness, and performance of the Senate and House of Representatives. The prevalence of mixed sentiments reflects broader societal apprehensions surrounding corruption, legislative efficacy, and the integrity of democratic institutions. Moving forward, policymakers and stakeholders must heed the insights gleaned from this survey to foster greater transparency, accountability, and public trust in governance. Moreover, efforts to address systemic challenges and promote legislative integrity are essential to upholding democratic principles and ensuring responsive and accountable governance for all citizens.