A survey conducted by a Pasig City-based lobbying and campaign consultancy indicates that corruption has risen as to the top of pressing issues that Filipinos believe requires the urgent attention of President Marcos.
Its PAHAYAG 2024 Third Quarter survey revealed that some 18 percent of respondents have listed corruption as the matter that most requires immediate presidential action, PUBLiCUS Asia said in a summary of the study released on Tuesday.
“This shift in concern has moved corruption ahead of other significant issues, such as rising prices and inflation (15%), the economy (12%), and poverty (11%), which continue to be key points of focus for the public,” the pollster noted.
It was not mentioned what branch of government is seen to be most corrupt, or if the shift in concern was sparked by an ongoing and much publicized congressional inquiry into the alleged abuses of the previous administration.
Following closely behind is inflation, which continues to put a strain household budgets, the company reported.
“The economy and poverty rank third, further underscoring the public’s desire for policies that directly address their day-to-day challenges,” the firm further stated.
Price surges in basic commodities topped the public’s list of concerns when the company conducted the same survey in the second quarter of 2024.
PUBLiCUS Asia said its survey highlights the evolving priorities of the Filipino people as they adapt to the current socio-economic climate.
“While the public’s concerns remain largely consistent, there is a notable shift in the ranking of these issues. Corruption now tops the list, reflecting a growing frustration with governance and accountability across different sectors of society,” the company surmised.
Furthermore, the survey also indicates that as the country moves into the next quarter, the primary fear of households is being unable to provide for the family’s basic needs (14%).
“This is followed by a similar concern which is the fear of not being able to buy basic commodities due to prices (13%) and not getting enough pay (12%),” the report further states.
The survey apparently also sought insights into the minds of registered voters through respondents, who said that they “prioritize two key goals – securing financial stability (50%) and maintaining good health (41%), as they navigate these uncertain times.”
Sufficient wealth and good health are Filipinos’ top “happiness goals,” the survey revealed.
The non-commissioned survey was conducted from September 15 to 19 using purposive sampling composed of 1,500 randomly drawn respondents.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Corruption overtakes inflation, poverty as top concern of Filipinos—survey.”
