Filipinos are among those who seek enhanced transport policies and stronger worker protections, as part of achieving social and economic outcomes.
Based on the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) 2024 Global Poll, the Philippines was among the countries most likely to believe transport to be an integral part of achieving social and economic outcomes, aside from improving city life.
Over 160,000 individuals across 15 countries were surveyed, highlighting the significant concerns among Filipinos on government performance, cost of living, safety, and climate change according to the nation’s transport sector.
The ITF report indicated how Filipinos wanted transport policies to improve, adding certain aspects to help with its improvement like coping with emergencies, connecting rural communities, and improving city life.
Report Key Findings
The report’s key findings with Filipinos found that 55 percent of Filipino respondents believe their government is mishandling transport issues, marking a 10 percent increase from 2022.
Moreover, the Philippines also ranks among the top three countries most concerned about transport-related costs. 78 percent of Filipinos also expressed concern about how displacement and job cuts in the transport sector may affect passenger safety.
Consequentially, 92 percent of Filipinos showed overwhelming support for policies that protect transport workers from abuse, while 93 percent were worried about workplace safety.
The poll also showed how the majority (82 percent) of Filipinos strongly support the right to join a union.
Meanwhile, the Philippines was also among the top three countries most concerned about restrictions on free speech, the right to protest, and workers’ right to strike.
PISTON
The Federation of Public Transport Groups and Associations (PISTON) emphasized the strong public support for progressive transport policies. According to its National President and Makabayan senatorial candidate Mody Floranda, the immense public support for such policies calls for action and national plans from the current government and those aspiring for office in the upcoming elections.
“This poll underscores the urgent need for the Philippine government to prioritize comprehensive and sustainable transport policies that address citizen concerns while upholding workers’ rights,” PISTON said.
