Poll: Prices, graft, jobs top Filipinos’ concerns
A Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Stratbase Group found that Filipinos want government leaders to make food prices affordable, reduce corruption and create more jobs in their communities.
Respondents to the commissioned survey conducted from Dec. 12 to Dec. 15, 2025, were asked the question “What do you think government leaders must primarily do to address the concerns in your local community? One answer only.”
Results showed that 38 percent of Filipinos identified making food prices more affordable as the most urgent action government leaders should take. This was followed by reducing or eliminating corruption to improve service delivery at 31 percent and creating more jobs and livelihood opportunities at 21 percent. These three concerns are the highest-ranked concerns across regions and socioeconomic classes.
Stratbase noted that the survey results indicate that Filipinos view economic hardship and corruption as closely linked issues.
Stratbase Group founder and CEO Victor Andres Manhit said the findings show that Filipinos recognize that corruption has direct consequences on their daily lives.
Accountability
“When public funds are misused, people feel it through higher prices, weaker public services and fewer job opportunities,” Manhit said.
“The public is not presenting an either-or choice,” he said. “They expect government leaders to address urgent economic concerns while at the same time ensuring accountability through investigation, arrest and prosecution of those involved in corruption.”
Other concerns mentioned in the survey include providing accessible education and health-care services (10 percent), stopping illegal drug users (0.1 percent), ensuring fairness in giving assistance (0.05 percent).
The survey had a total of 1,200 respondents who were shown show cards with different concerns listed. It had a plus-or-minus 2.8 percent margin of error.
