A survey conducted by Gallup International Association showed the majority of the Filipinos were satisfied with the government’s response against the pandemic COVID-19.
Based on the global polling firm’s April 6 to 8 poll, about 80 percent of Pinoys believed the government is handling the COVID-19 crisis “well.”
The poll also showed only 18 percent expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s COVID-19 response, while two percent were undecided on the matter.
President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the entire Luzon under an extended enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). During the lockdown, people are required to observe strict home quarantine and limit their movement to accessing necessities.
The President, however, has yet to decide on whether the Luzon-wide ECQ would be lifted, modified, or extended. The lockdown is set to end in 7 days, on April 30.
The poll conducted by Gallup International also found that 86 percent expressed willingness to “sacrifice” some of their human rights, “if it helps prevent the spread of the virus.”
Only 12 percent said otherwise, while the remaining two percent could not make a decision.
This developed as 88 percent admitted that they are “afraid” that either he or someone in his family may catch the novel coronavirus.
Gallup International, through its partner Philippine Survey and Research Center Inc., interviewed 867 Filipinos aged 18 and above through online methods.
As of April 22, the country has recorded 111 new cases, nine new deaths, and 39 new recoveries. That brings to a total of 6,710 confirmed cases, 446 fatalities, and 693 recoveries.
Also read: Fewer deaths, slowed doubling time signs virus outbreak has been managed
Philippine government’s COVID-19 response
The national government allotted ₱275-billion-worth of aid for around 18 million low-income families affected by the COVID-19 crisis in the country.
He described the financial aid as the “largest and widest social protection program in the country’s history.”
President Rodrigo Duterte, however, said it is not enough to sustain the survival of Filipinos in Luzon.
“Sabi ko nga we cannot feed you forever, hanggang kamatayan. Hindi ka naman mapagamot kaagad-agad ilan lang ang ospital,” Duterte said.
(I told you we could not feed you forever, until death. We cannot treat you immediately since we only have a few hospitals.)
The World Bank on April 10 approved the Philippines’ $500 million loan to combat the coronavirus in the country. But Duterte hinted that the loan was still not enough to meet the country’s need to survive the global crisis.
He said he is willing to sell government assets to provide COVID-19 funds. The government also considers selling around P700 million worth of “ill-gotten” jewelry collection seized from former first lady Imelda Marcos.