A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group reveals that 56 percent of Filipinos view reducing food prices—especially rice and other staples—as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s top priority. Economic concerns lead by a wide margin, with 31 percent citing corruption as the next most urgent issue, highlighting public demand for both economic relief and good governance.
Conducted nationwide from September 24 to 30, 2025, among 1,500 respondents, the survey shows that inflation continues to heavily impact poorer, rural communities, where 57 percent expressed concern over food prices compared to 54 percent in urban areas. The Visayas and Mindanao regions showed the strongest focus on food costs (61 percent).
Corruption topped concerns in Metro Manila (45 percent), followed by Balance Luzon (32 percent) and the Visayas (31 percent), reflecting widespread worry over misuse of public funds.
Stratbase president Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit stressed the urgency for the government to tackle inflation and food security while ensuring transparency and accountability in spending. Other issues like education (7 percent) and healthcare (4 percent) ranked lower, with some respondents undecided.
The survey underscores a growing call for leadership that delivers tangible economic improvements alongside anti-corruption reforms—an opportunity for the administration to realign its priorities to meet public demands.
