MANILA, Philippines — Concerns over inflation remain paramount for Filipinos, though a recent survey indicates growing national attention on combating graft and corruption. The Pulse Asia survey, conducted from December 12 to 15, reveals a shifting landscape of public priorities amid ongoing issues like a recent flood control controversy.
Shifting Priorities
While controlling the rising prices of basic goods and services continues to be the top concern for a majority of respondents – cited by 59 percent – fighting graft and corruption has emerged as a significant national issue, identified by 48 percent of those surveyed.
The survey data shows regional and socio-economic differences in priorities. Inflation is the primary concern for residents of Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as those in socio-economic classes D and E. Conversely, respondents in Metro Manila and those in socio-economic class C are more likely to prioritize fighting corruption.
Trends in Public Concern
Compared to a survey conducted in the third quarter, concern over inflation increased by five percentage points (from 54 percent), while concern over corruption decreased by three percentage points (from 51 percent). This suggests a potential fluctuation in public focus, though both remain critical issues.
Other significant concerns identified by respondents include increasing workers’ pay (39 percent), reducing poverty (22 percent), and creating more jobs (19 percent). Issues such as fighting criminality, addressing illegal drugs, and ensuring equal enforcement of the law also garnered substantial attention, each cited by 19 percent of respondents.
Concerns with lower levels of support included promoting peace (nine percent), assisting farmers (nine percent), reducing taxes (eight percent), and responding to natural disasters (eight percent). Issues such as overseas Filipino worker protection, territorial integrity, and counter-terrorism received support from less than five percent of respondents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top concern of Filipinos, according to the survey?
Controlling the increase in prices of basic goods and services (inflation) is the top concern, cited by 59 percent of respondents.
Which socio-economic class is most concerned about corruption?
Respondents in socio-economic class C are more likely than other classes to identify fighting graft and corruption as their most urgent concern.
Has concern over inflation increased or decreased recently?
Concern over inflation increased by five points between the third quarter survey and the December 12-15 survey, rising from 54 percent to 59 percent.
As public priorities continue to evolve, it remains to be seen how these concerns will shape the national conversation and potentially influence policy decisions in the coming months.
