Jobs, health, food still top voter concerns

MANILA, Philippines — Job creation, health care, food security, education, and the rights of workers remain some of the top advocacies Filipinos look for in candidates, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group.

The survey, which was conducted from March 15 to March 20, revealed that 92 percent of respondents said they would vote for a candidate who advocates increased job opportunities.

The results also showed that strengthening the health-care system and developing the agriculture sector and food security were tied for the second-highest priority among voters, with 91 percent each.

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Equal access to education was the fourth highest priority, with a result of 90 percent, with workers’ rights and the welfare of overseas Filipino workers taking the fifth spot at 89 percent.

The top five advocacies among Filipino voters remained unchanged from the start of the year.

Consistent focus

According to Stratbase Group president Dindo Manhit, the consistent focus on jobs, health care, food, education, and accessible prices reflects ongoing economic concerns among Filipinos.

With just a month left before the May 12 elections, Manhit reminded candidates to respond to these realities as he also urged voters to be discerning and critical in their choices.

In the sixth spot, on the other hand, were poverty and hunger reduction at 86 percent—an increase of 3 percent from February—while controlling prices for basic services and goods at 85 percent—which increased by 4 percent from February—placed seventh.

These were followed by enhancing disaster preparedness (and addressing climate change) and defending national security and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea at 82 percent each; achieving energy security and using renewable energy; fighting illegal drugs at 79 percent each; and eradicating graft and corruption in the government at 71 percent.

Traditional campaign issues, such as the fight against illegal drugs and corruption, did not rank among the top 10 advocacies that influence voter preference.

The survey had 1,800 respondents and a 2-percent margin of error.

—INQUIRER RESEARCH

(2025/04/11-05:50)