Showing posts with label survey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label survey. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Majority of US voters oppose civilian trial of suspected 911 terrorists in NYC

11/18/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Citing safety concerns, majority of American voters do not want to the Guantanamo prisoners to be housed in prisons in the United States out of safety concerns. Fifty-five (55%) of the same group are not in favor of closing the Guantanamo prison in Cuba. With a large majority (76% vs. 24%), Americans don't want to give the suspected terrorists the same rights as civilians. For being part of a global war, the public wants the terrorists be tried in military courts. These findings by Rasmussen survey are consistent to the majority---51% who are opposed to have self-confessed 911 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and 4 others stand trial in a New York City courhouse close to the scene of the crime.

The opinion above is a reaction to the radical liberal view of US Attorney General Eric Holden and the Obama administration desiring to showcase the "superior" legal system working in America. Critic's of Holden's decision on Khalid expects a trial that will be costly, put blame and exact accountability on Bush policies, heighten the anger of the victims' families, and refocus New York City as a target of future attack.

An NYC trial will bring a protracted "circus" to the public exposing the legal system's weaknesses (in spite of claims that it's the best in the world.) By probing the CIA (i.e. waterboarding, enhanced interrogation used on the suspects) the Bush policies which have made USA safer after 911 can re-ignite controversies from the old administr5ation and send to jail those guilty of a crime. (Photo Credit: andyworthington.co.uk.) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Gov. Paterson against 911 trial in NYC" Posted by mesiamd at 11/17/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Opposition to healthcare reform rises to 56%

9/22/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


At the end of the week, Rasmussen poll released its new number on Obama’s campaign to sell his healthcare proposal---the nationwide opposition against the measure climbed to 56% compared to only 43% in favor. Contrarians dominate over those who approve of the plan since the last week of June 2009 when opposition registered at 50% and approval at 45%. This is in spite of Obama's aggressive promotion of the healthcare bill, undoubltedly one of the centerpieces of his administration.

The overhaul of healthcare became more unacceptable to the doubting public as the details are laid bare in the on-going debate. The confusion, lack of transparency, and truthfulness at the onset were partly to blame. Top leaders of the government react to criticism sorely as they wanted to ram their proposal to the public's throat--- hook line and sinker. Rasmussen revealed that for August, the public perception of protesters (wrongfully accused by being rabble-rousers and Nazis for airing their concerns) improved, making the Obama administrtion to pay more attention.

“If the plan passes, 26% of voters say the quality of care will get better, and 51% say it will get worse. In August, the numbers were 23% better and 50% worse. Fifty-one percent (51%) say passage of the plan will make the cost of health care go up while 20% say it will make costs go down. In August, 52% thought the plan would lead to higher costs, and just 17% thought it would achieve the stated goal of lowering costs.”---Rasmussen (09/18/09)

These numbers make Democrats worried. More people are speaking against the heathcare plan as much as they demonstrate their opposition to the bailouts of banks, financial institutions, and the auto industry at the expense of taxpayers’ money. These are on top of humongous spending by a government with trillions in budget deficit on its back. (Photo Credit: ctv.ca) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Tracking Poll Update: greater decline in Obama’s popularity

9/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post



"...in the history of polling, no newly elected American president has fallen this far this fast. Anxiety is now pervasive."
-David Brooks, The New York Times

The Rasmussen Poll has the following survey numbers for the Obama Adminiistration, giving a declining trend (when compared with past figures) in popularity among US voters as of Monday, August 31, 2009.

The result below is the lowest so far for the president's approval since he was elected in November last year. Eighty-one percent (81%) of Democrats approve while 83% of Republicans disapprove of Obama. It also shows the lack of confidence on the way US Congress is running the government.

The causes of the administration's declining popularity range from unchecked recession, unemployment, overspending, contentious healthcare reform, and uncertainty. There is discordance----between reality and what the government is saying. (Photo Credit: enstarter) For more details: www.RasmussenReports.com

Pres. Barack Obama Job approval

Strongly Aprroved -------------------------------------------------30%
Strongly Disapproed-----------------------------------------------41%
Somewhat Approved------------------------------------------------46%
Somewhat Disapproved--------------------------------------------53%
Presidential Approval Index------------------------------------ minus 11%

Poor Congress Approval Rating

Confident that Congress knows what it does for the economy------29%
Percentage of voters who want Congress replaced-------------------57%
Percentage of voters who want to keep Congress--------------------25%

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PostHeaderIcon From stratospheric high, Barack Obama’s job approval falls to the ground

8/06/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The president of the United States does not lack good intentions to overhaul the entire America or perhaps the world. Since his landmark win as the first black commander in chief, he pursues an ambitious plan of “change” that for a while the public supports. Americans want to give him a chance to succeed.

But 8 months after election, the doubts and fears of America have taken shape. The budget deficit has grown to an all time high. There is too much spending and borrowing by an increasingly intrusive government. Unemployment is still on the rise. Economic recovery is plagued by conflicting reports of stalling and rebound from "experts" that are hard to trust. Accountability (particularly in the administration's spending and borrowing) is virtually absent.

Healthcare reform is hard sell. It is more costly than the current system Obama wants to replace. There is widespread fear of a socialistic government-controlled Canadian-like system that threaten to ration services, curtail approval of diagnostics and treatment, delay services, limit the choice of doctors and their treatment options, and jack up taxes. This comes when 85% of Americans like their current insurances and the services they offer.

As a result, Barack Obama’s job approval rating is sliding fast and is down to 50%.

“Exactly half of the registered voters surveyed from July 27 to Aug. 3 by Quinnipiac said they approve of the job Obama is doing, compared with 42 percent who disapprove. That’s down from 57 percent approval and 33 percent disapproval.
The poll found that voters disapprove of the way Obama is handling the economy by 49 percent to 45 percent.

On his effort to overhaul of the health-care system, 52 percent disapprove of his handling of the issue while 39 percent approve. Only foreign policy offered a bright spot: 52 percent of poll respondents approved of his job on this front, compared with 38 percent who disapproved.” Bloomberg.com (08/06/09, Jensen, K)

What is clear is good intentions do not necessarily translate to good results. Theory in governance doesn’t always jibe with practice. Even with eloquence, the claim of experts and leaders must always be seen with caution. A president with glowing grassroots ideas from Harvard does not guarantee godly results. It’s dangerous to rock the boat with promises. Change comes magically, but not always in a hurry. (Photo Credit: nmfbihop) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Pres. Gloria Arroyo still suffers from negative public approval

7/16/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) report covering June 2009, Pres. Gloria Arroyo scored dismally with a net of negative rating of (-)30 (26% satisfied and 56% dissatisfied.) This shows no improvement from her rating 4 months ago with (-)33% (26% satisfied and 59% dissatisfied.)

According to SWS, the recommended way of interpreting these numbers are as follows: +50 and above as "very good," +30 to + 49 as "good," +10 to +29 as "moderate," +9 to -9 as "neutral," -10 to -29 as "poor," -30 to -49 as "bad," and -50 and lower as "very bad." The picture on the president at this time is considered “bad.”

The drop in her popularity came in December last year when she was rated poor, but Malacanang Palace spokesmen attributed her performance to “perception.” Doubted by others, it had been said by her supporters that GMA would be better off being “unpopular” than not "excellent" in her job.

On its waning days, the administration thinks the president has been an “achiever.” It blames persistent malicious gossip and black propaganda as reasons for her unpopularity. (Photo Credit: AP) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon RP needs improvement in governance

7/03/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Despite claims that Pres. Gloria Arroyo has performed well in governing the country, The World Bank brings in another slow performance report that belies such claims. The Worldwide Governance Indicators for 1996-2008 (World Bank) show that Philippines made some progress in corruption, law enforcement and maintenance of political stability, but tails behind other countries in certain performance indicators of the region.

The fight against corruption had Philippines score 26.5% in 2008 and 22.2% in 2007 which is way below the regional average of 45.1%. Graft and corruption is a huge drag in the advancement of the nation and obviously the report tells that this is a serious challenge for Filipinos. As a consolation, the country fared well in regulatory policies: 51.7 percent last year versus the regional average of 42.1 percent.

Some indicators in which country lags behind are as follows:
-----------------------------------------2008-----------2007----------Regional Ave.
Up-holding the law-------------------39.7%---------33.8%---------52.9%
Maintaining Political Stability------10.5%---------10.1%---------59.9%
government effectiveness”------------55%-----------56.4%
“voice accountability”- -------------41.3%---------43.3%
Source: Philstar.com (07/02/09, Gonzales, I.)

The discordance in what the Pres. Gloria Arroyo believes to be good governance in her administration and the reports of watch groups tells Filipinos of a need for improvement. Otherwise, among competing nations, Philippines is in danger of falling behind and be at the tail end of sovereign nations. (Photo Credit: BeyondSFO) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Obama’s approval rating falls

6/23/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


After a very strong start early in presidency, popular Barack Obama is now experiencing an erosion of his approval rating as the Rasmussen reports the following salient findings as of Monday, June 22, 2009. His approval index has dropped to negative (-1).

33% of voters strongly approve
34% of voters strongly disapprove
(-1) net approval index

Among other findings from the survey, many voters still blame the Bush administration for the faltering economy, but the number has fallen to 54%----8 points down from last month. This indicates that the problem of the economy during the change of leadership is getting to be attributed to Obama rather than Bush.

The consumer confidence according to the survey is at its lowest level in the last two months. Americans are equally divided on whether to push through with healthcare reform now (46%) or wait on a later date to coincide with economic recovery(45%).

There is doubt on the massive spending Obama has laid out for the bailout of banks, mortgage institutions, auto industry and private companies which many believe compromises taxpayers’ money. If the economy improves (i.e. it comes out of the recession) Obama’s numbers are expected to rebound to his favor. But further slide of his rating is expected if financial trouble persists and joblessness remains rampant.(Photo credit: Roddick Remixed) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo scores low anew on trust rating

6/09/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


In a new poll released by Pulse Asia, Philippine Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo got a very poor rating on public trust. Her approval and disapproval rating is 26% and 46% respectively with a net rating of negative 20. The following is part of the May 2009 results:

-------------------------------------------Approval Rating (%)

Vice Pres. Noli de Castro----------------------53%
Senator Juan Ponce Enrile--------------------32%
SC Chief Justice Reynato Puno--------------34%
Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo--------------------------26%
Speaker Prospero Nograles-------------------20%
(Source: Daily Tribune, June 9, 2009)

According to the survey, 48% of the respondents disapproved of the president's performance. Her rating didn't improve from the results in February 2009. As in the past, Arroyo supporters in Malacanang Palace brushed aside the survey which they believed didn’t reflect the real belief of the people. (Photo Credit: lasvegaskodak) -0-

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PostHeaderIcon Falling ratings of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo

3/17/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


It comes less of a surprise for the public to know that Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA) gets bad ratings for her work in the executive office. According to the survey on February 20 to 23, 2009 by the Social Weather Station Inc. (SWS,) her disapproval rating fell further to a net rating of negative (-) 33 (26% satisfied and 59% dissatisfied.)

“The President’s latest net satisfaction rating is lower compared to “poor” -24 percent (29 percent satisfied, 53 percent dissatisfied) in December and poor -27 (27 percent satisfied, 54 percent dissatisfied) in September."----Philstar (03/17/09, Sy, M)

More than half of the Filipinos don’t approve of GMA’s performance, in spite of Malacanang’s wish that the president be given appreciation for unrecognized “accomplishments.” Pres. Spokesman Lorelei Fajardo cites Arroyo’s work of insulating the country from the impacts of domestic and global economic crisis.

Many Filipinos feel this is untrue because the full blown effects of the financial crisis are yet to come. Even without the global crisis, the Philippines has been reeling in widespread poverty with about 40% of the population facing hunger each day. Her approval rating has been bad compared to past presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada. With the presidential election coming in 2010, the public appears to extend their patience for GMA,---opting to let her corruption-riddled government to pass. (Photo Credit: AP/ Aaron Familia)=0=

RELATED BLOGS: "Corruption scandals hurting Filipinos under Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo" Posted by mesiamd at 1/29/2009; “Not as a lecturer or as a judge,” EU thinks RP must do more to curb corruption Posted by mesiamd at 1/29/2009; "Corruption and apathy: where will these lead us?" Posted by mesiamd at 2/10/2009


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PostHeaderIcon Obama gets a low grade from Wall Street economists

3/14/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Midway thru Pres. Barack Obama’s post-election 100-day honeymoon period is an erosion of popularity. In spite of his “heroic” effort in trying to steer the US to the “right “ track, the new president gets a failing grade of 59% from majority of 49 Wall Street economists polled. According to the Wall Street Journal Survey, financial thinkers are dissatisfied with Obama’s economic policy. The Dow Jones fell close to ¼ of its value at the 7 weeks of his administration.

Treasury secretary Timothy Geithner who assumed his position in the Obama cabinet in spite of evading to pay taxes has a poor grade of 51%, while Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke scored better, with an average 71.

The changing result augurs badly for Obama who has enjoyed extraordinary popularity before and after the election. The high expectation is there, but he is tumbling down from the sky putting down his public approval to about 60%---quickly in just a few days. Considering the media’s slobbering love and public admiration for Obama, the downward trend of his approval rating is unexpected.

It’s a concern that Americans who disaprove of his policies are rising. The trend is a significant negative twist on how the public perceives his performance even if he was heralded as the hero who’ll deliver America and the world from economic woes. There is strong doubt if Americans can spend their way from bankruptcy by borrowing at the expense of current tax-payers and the next generation.(Photo Credit: tsevis) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Fearless economic forecasts" Posted by mesiamd at 3/11/2009

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PostHeaderIcon Survey says a rising number of Americans have “no religion”

3/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The poll made by Program of Public Virtues of Trinity College in Hartford, CT between February and November last year reported that only 76.7% of Americans identified themselves as Christians, a 9.5% decline from the 86.2% in the 1990’s. Most of the attrition comes from non-Catholic denominations. The percentage of Catholics has significantly increased in the Southwest, greater than in the Northeast, shifting attention to the needs of Hispanics in the Roman Catholic Church.

Additional findings of the American Religious Identification Survey include:
1. Americans claiming “no religion” is up from 8.8% in 1990 to 14.2% in 2001 and 15% in 2008
2. Between 2001 and 2008, 4.7 million Americans claimed to have “no religion”
3. Northern New England is ahead of the Pacific Northwest as the least religious section of the country, with Vermont, at 34% with “no religion” leading all other states by 9 points.
4. 90% of the decline among Christians comes from the non-Catholic segment of the Christian population, mostly from mainline denominations, including Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Episcopalians/Anglicans, and the United Church of Christ. Source: http://usnews.com/ (03/09/0, Gilgoff. D)

This may represent a changing culture---- the rising secularization of United States where having “no religion” has turned to be more socially acceptable than a decade ago. The demographic shift among believers and non-believers may affect the way Americans think, vote, and live on issues like abortion, stem cell research, same-sex marriage, euthanasia, and education among others as liberals, leftists, and secular progressives veer away from the Judeo-Christian tradition which is the cornerstone of the moral and cultural values of America since it was established. (Photo Credit emardaalvinbabista) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Obama addresses congress for the first time

2/25/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Pres. Barack Obama at present enjoys high level of public support optimism and confidence. Americans badly needs him at this time even if political trust doesn’t necessarily translate to economic confidence. The stock market for the last month continues to flounder in spite of the change Obama has been pursuing.

Those badly hurt by the economic downturn watch silently where the recovery program will go. Rightly so, it is early to give in to pessimism, but there is a cause for concern.

Those with money are afraid to invest---the stock market behaves erratically as if to suggest that something isn’t right. It is expected to go for undetermined amount of time in spite of the bold assurances of Obama. People badly affected by the financial crisis are confused, some can’t get over their shock on what's going on.


Opinion on B. Obama:

--------------------------------Approve-----------Disapprove--------No Opinion

His job as president------------63%-----------------22-------------------15
Foreign Policy-------------------57%-----------------17-------------------26
The Economy-------------------57%-----------------32--------------------11
Iraq Situation--------------------54%-----------------24--------------------22
Source: New York Times (02/23/09, Zeleny, J; Thee-Brenan, M)

On Tuesday, February 23, at 9PM eastern time, Obama will address the joint congress. He enjoys strong political clout with about 2/3 of the American people supporting him. A rising number however is skeptical. In spite of the benefit of the doubt, many are struggling to fend off their ambivalence. There are those who feel they’re practically on their own, without much reason to believe the government will look after them since their finances have been ruined by mismanagement. They can't take the thought of bailing out irresponsible Americans in cahoots with unscrupulous bank lenders who bought homes beyond their means.

Obama's Disapproval Rating Doubles

According to a recent Gallup poll, Obama's new disapproval rating rose from 12% last month to 24% this month. This is 50% higher than the 16% average for a month-old new presidency. ----Los Angeles Times ( 02/24/09, Malcolm, A)

Americans really can’t be too trusting these days, not even with Obama’s popularity. Words cannot change reality. Sixty (60%) of the public worries that someone in the family will lost a job in the coming months or the next year. Fifty-five (55%) of the Americans says they are just trying to make ends meet. While Americans are under no illusion to believe that the economic problem will die down soon, it’s unclear if they who are extravagant and used to good life can weather the turbulence of the recession.

In spite of the media’s overwhelming biased adulation for Obama (as described in Bernard Goldberg’s book “A Slobbering Love Affair: The True (And Pathetic) Story of the Torrid Romance Between Barack Obama and the Mainstream Media “)it is still the truth that matters. People can’t live with the promises and eloquent words of a president, they need to see tangible results, especially those who put their reliance on the government to solve their problems. (Photo Credit: Alex Johnson)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Filipino hope & optimism

2/02/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
If only to prove that Filipinos are among the “happiest” people in the world, the poll by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) conducted last December shows that our kababayans are as optimistic as ever. Despite the gloomy picture of the economy, about 30% of Filipinos expect things will get better in the next 12 months. The positive outlook eases the worry at the time when the country was celebrating the Christmas holiday and the coming new year.

Economic pessimism, meanwhile, remained high in Metro Manila, worsening to -37 from -33. It eased to -21 from -28 in the Balance of Luzon, to -13 from -17 in Mindanao, and -15 from -18 in the Visayas. It eased to -8 from -22 among the class E; to -22 from -30 among the ABC classes; and stayed at -24 among class D, the survey found.---GMATV.News (02/02/09)

The basis of the bright outlook which rose 4% percentage points from three months ago is unclear. The government attributes the people’s hope to resiliency. Palace officials say the poverty-alleviation programs set up by the administration are giving the people some breather.

Yet, since economic hardship still remains high and indicators don’t generally support bullish confidence in the country, cultural and psychological factors may be at play to influence the survey’s optimistic result.

We rightly laud our innate positive mentality which helps us cope with the economic crisis. But we have the temptation to look at reality in a blurry prism, sometimes with a tinge of “denial.” Our country is mired in a protracted “crisis” which makes it tempting to rest painful issues at the back-burner. Perhaps, the survey should not bring us that much of hope if we understand our situation more. (Photo Credit: Usman Farooq)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Obama’s popularity plunges from 83% to 68% a few days after assuming presidency

1/27/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
If only to augur the things that are to come, in less than a week Pres. Barack Obama’s approval rating dropped by 15 points. From a sky-high 83%, the new score fell to 68%. The long honeymoon predicted for the widely popular president is challenged by the worsening outlook of the economy.

The patience of the American people may not hold in spite of the dramatic changes Obama offers the public. Abandoning some blind credulity, supporters are now looking closely at the programs and plans the administration is selling the nation. Bashing the past administration, there is effort to paint a rosy liberal governance to replace the old. But it seems inadequate in reversing the public's lack of trust.

According to the Gallup poll, the drastic fall of Obama’s support suggests the herculean task and towering expectation the president is facing. His words and actions are under urgent scrutiny as dark clouds threaten to choke the immediate future of the country.

In spite of the media’s commitment to bring the glib president in the best light, there are many Americans who feel wary. They see something corrupt and negligent. For being remiss of their duties, politicians and community leaders aren't as trustworthy as before. And it is causing a toll on Barack Obama.(Photo Credit: Sebastian Niedlick/ Grabthar; Spudart) =0=



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PostHeaderIcon “Filipinos rated most committed to work”

1/27/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


The “employee engagement” is supposed to be a measure of “commitment” and “drive” of a worker to achieve a company’s goal. It runs high among Filipinos. That’s according to a recent survey conducted on workers of some top corporations in the country by Watson Wyatt, a global consulting agency. At 77%, the employee engagement for the Philippines has improved from by 4% since 2007. The score is good among countries of the Asia-Pacific region!

Beating of China (66%,) India (75%), Indonesia (71%,) Thailand (72%,) and Malaysia (67%,) RP’s laudable score appeared in the Philipine Daily Inquirer (01/27/09, Dumlao, D)--- a business news item entitled “Filipinos rated most committed to work.”

I find the report flattering. Only the workers of top corporations have been included in the poll. The survey outfit admits there are no international standards to determine the socio-political and cultural factors that are unique for each country which may influence the score. Such limitations hardly dispel the doubts of readers.

Whatever this survey is worth, I like to know if there is any difference in the score of workers in the public sector compared to those who are in the government. It would have been better if all in the labor force (not only the corporate employees) were represented in the survey. It would have been more revealing if those in the farms and those employed abroad were included. The result might be more accurate in characterizing the “commitment” of the entire Filipino labor force. (Photo Credit: Bikoy; Neil Alderney 123)=0=



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PostHeaderIcon GMA’s ditch-low approval rating, her kiddie “payback package" for OFW's & a big store in Naga City rises

12/17/2008 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Negative (-30)

President Gloria M. Arroyo gets the lowest satisfaction rating in 2008, much lower than the (-)9 she got the year before. The Social Weather Survey (SWS) result from the 4th quarter poll at the end of November is thought to be bad. It attests to the unpopularity of the administration that’s wracked by corruption and nepotism, believed to be worse than that of Ferdinand Marcos.

Unresolved issues like joblessness, floundering economics, the Bolante fertilizer scam, Euro generals money laundering case, unabated maritime disasters, journalist killings, charter-change controversy, poor education and healthcare, Mindanao secessionist problem, CARP extension, unimplemented cheap medicine law, and the big C (Corruption) noticed by watchers abroad are in the long list of problems that stun the public.

P1.4 trillion

It’s the 2009 national budget which is approved in the second and last deliberation in the senate. Notable in the budget are less allocations for the Department of Agrarian Reform by P3.1 billion, Energy P61 million, Finance 13 million, Local Governments P436 million, Justice P215 million, Armed Forces P75 million, Public Works P3.4 billion, Social Welfare P243 million, and National Economic Development Authority by P25 million. The budget cuts on certain services are allocated in other areas. A P10 billion economic fund is being considered, but no appropriations are set aside for the Office of the Press Secretary, the Philippine Tourism Authority and Kilos Asenso.

4,000

SM, the large monopolistic mall-chain owned by business mogul Henry Sy, Sr. in the Phiippines, is making preparations to open its outlet in Naga City on March 2009. About 4,000 job-seekers are needed in the operation which is estimated to generate $12 million in wages and P40 million in taxes. Expected to compete with small stores of the area, SM may draw shoppers in neighboring towns.

The exact effects of such a huge business in the city of 160,000 people aren’t completely known. Will there be congestion in the city? Will money windfall benefit the Bicolanos? Will profits be carted away from the area and render the mom-and-pop stores struggling to survive? Did the Naga City officials do a thorough study on the cost-benefit of approving an SM store?

50,000

As a result of the global economic crisis, the number of Filipinos abroad expected to be laid off has increased. Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo has laid out a “payback package” assistance for retrenched overseas foreign workers (OFW’s,) a tepid offering of skills training, scholarships, and measly P10,000 ($200) to start a “business” upon their return to the country.

15,000

Participants of the Manila’s anti-charter change (cha-cha) rally were larger than expected, according to Makati mayor Jejomar Binay, the president of the United Opposition. More protests against Cha-cha and other frustrating issues are on the works with broadened support from various organizations. (Photo Credits: gmaresign; doublefault2; arty; gmaresign=0=



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