The level of public knowledge about the Maharlika Wealth Fund (MWF), also known as the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), varies significantly, according to the recent national Social Weather Survey.
Out of the adult Filipinos surveyed, 20% claimed to possess at least partial but sufficient knowledge about the fund. Among this group, 5% stated they had extensive knowledge, while 15% reported having partial but sufficient knowledge.
Conversely, 33% of respondents admitted to having only a little knowledge, while the majority, comprising 47%, acknowledged having almost no knowledge or no knowledge at all about the MWF.
The survey also delved into the public's expectations regarding the benefits the Philippines might gain from the establishment of the MWF.
The results showcased a divided opinion. About 51% of respondents expressed their belief that the country would experience little to no benefit from the fund.
This figure encompasses 37% who expected little benefit and 14% who anticipated almost no benefit at all.
On the other hand, 46% of respondents expressed optimism, expecting significant benefits from the MWF. This group comprised 14% who believed the benefits would be very substantial and 32% who anticipated substantial benefits.
The survey also sought to gauge public confidence in the MWF's ability to remain free from corruption once approved by Congress.
The responses were mixed, with 31% expressing high confidence (10% having very much confidence and 22% having much confidence).
Meanwhile, 29% expressed little confidence (19% somewhat little confidence and 11% very little confidence), and 38% remained undecided.
Geographically, respondents in Metro Manila and Balance Luzon displayed a higher percentage of at least partial but sufficient knowledge about the MWF, at 29% and 24% re`spectively.
In contrast, respondents in the Visayas showed a lower percentage, with 14% claiming at least partial but sufficient knowledge, followed by Mindanao at 10%.
MIF knowledge rises with education
Educational attainment also appeared to correlate with knowledge about the MWF.
Respondents who completed college or pursued post-graduate studies had the highest percentage of at least partial but sufficient knowledge at 28%.
Similarly, those who had some senior high school education, finished senior high school, completed vocational school, or attended some college showed a relatively high level of knowledge at 23%.
Meanwhile, respondents who completed junior high school or had some vocational schooling demonstrated a knowledge percentage of 24%.
In contrast, respondents who completed elementary school or had some high school education had a lower knowledge percentage at 15%, while those with no formal education or only elementary education showed the lowest level of knowledge at 9%.
The MIF bill is inching closer to become a law as it only awais the signature of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. after being approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate.
