Deceiving, and survey’s aim obvious

By Al S. Mendoza

 

A survey conducted in December 2012 by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said four out of five Filipinos were satisfied with their life.

Those content with their life included 33 percent who said they were “very satisfied” and 48 percent who were “fairly satisfied.”

Four out of five “satisfied with their life” is quite high—that’s 81 percent.

It’s nice to know.  It can only mean happiness is the prevailing feeling in our country today.  That joy and gladness seems to rent the air.

But is that the real truth?

I have always been cynical with surveys.

I don’t know, but I have always doubted their veracities.

And, look.  Why would a survey done in December 8-11 yet merit a page one treatment by a national daily only now, four months after it’s been done?

Four months is too long ago already.  History.

What benefit will that survey do the country, our people?

A history of good will never rub on present-day realities, when many people still roam the streets looking, if not begging, for alms—and food.

One councilor in Zamboanga was already caught on camera walking barefoot—appearing more like he was begging for alms “instead of votes.”

In the picture, he looks like a real beggar.

The surveyed numbered only 1,200 adults nationwide.

I think that’s not indicative of the true picture in a country of more than 90 million.

If at all, that was deceiving.

It could produce false impressions.

If it had gone on-line—I won’t be surprised if it’s there already, considering info-technology and all—it might create misconceptions.

Like, the country has become a prime land to live in.  Paradise.

Hunger has been licked.

Unemployment in an all-time low.

The number of homeless has considerably dwindled.

Be it an inaccuracy, a falsehood even, the No. 1 beneficiary would be the Aquino Administration, of course.

Any positive aspect in society, credit will automatically go to PNoy.

And, since it is election year, PNoy’s bets are direct beneficiaries to it, too.

Already, Team PNoy in the senatorial battle is way ahead, garnering nine spots thus far in the Top 12.

Of the nine, only Chiz Escudero seems to be “in trouble.”

In trouble?

By slipping to No. 4 from No. 2 because of Escudero’s tangled love life with actress Heart Evangelista, is that cause for serious concern?

Of course, not.

You are in the Top 5, even Top 7, in a field of 12 hopefuls, you are virtually safe with less than a month away from the May 13 polls.

So, who will benefit from the “life satisfaction” survey?

Which team did the national daily newspaper that printed the survey serve/help?

Your guess is as good as mine.

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