“Increasing the pay of workers is another pressing concern, with 36 percent of respondents highlighting it as a priority”
As we welcome 2025, Filipino consumers carry a collective wish list—a hopeful call for responsive governance and efficient policies that address their daily struggles.
This list stems not from mere desire but from pressing realities highlighted by recent surveys and economic data.
Inflation continues to weigh heavily on Filipino households. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported a rise in headline inflation to 2.9 percent in Dec. 2024, driven by higher costs of housing, utilities, and fuels.
While the annual average inflation rate fell to 3.2 percent from 6.0 percent in 2023, consumers still grapple with unstable prices, especially for essentials like rice.
The Marcos administration has imposed temporary price ceilings on rice and reduced tariff rates for imports.
Yet, consumers demand sustainable solutions to shield them from price volatility caused by smuggling and market manipulation, and geopolitical realities. A thriving agricultural sector must be prioritized to ensure food security and stable market prices.
According to a recent Pulse Asia survey, 74 percent of Filipinos identified controlling inflation as the most urgent national concern—a clear call for the government to stabilize prices and safeguard consumer welfare.
Increasing the pay of workers is another pressing concern, with 36 percent of respondents highlighting it as a priority.
While wage increases in 14 regions—including a P35 hike in Metro Manila—are steps in the right direction, workers continue to seek fair compensation that keeps pace with the rising cost of living.
Consumers wish for more comprehensive labor reforms that secure dignified and sufficient earnings for all.
Poverty reduction remains critical, as 31 percent of survey participants emphasized its urgency.
The alarming rise in self-rated poverty to 63 percent by the end of 2024, reported by the Social Weather Stations, underscores the need for more effective poverty alleviation strategies.
We must strengthen social protection programs and promote sustainable livelihood initiatives to uplift the most vulnerable sectors of our society.
Creating more jobs also ranked high, with 27 percent of Filipinos citing it as a major concern.
While the unemployment rate dropped to 3.2 percent in November 2024, consumers call for more than just job creation—they seek stable, quality, and well-paying employment opportunities that foster long-term economic security.
This makes it even more urgent for the government to stimulate quality foreign investments that build sustainable industries.
Encouraging investments in green technology, green energy, manufacturing, critical minerals development, critical infrastructure, and digital innovation can generate resilient jobs and drive long term and most importantly, inclusive economic growth.
Medical Assistance Program and additional support for pregnant women and young children under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program are positive steps.
However, the absence of a PhilHealth subsidy in the 2025 budget raises concerns about healthcare accessibility and sustainability. Filipinos deserve an inclusive, well-funded universal healthcare system that prioritizes the most vulnerable.
Infrastructure development continues to advance with strategic projects in agriculture, disaster resilience, education, health, energy, housing, and transport.
The government’s 28 priority projects under the Luzon Economic Corridor and the approval of major initiatives like the Ilocos Norte-Ilocos Sur-Abra Irrigation Project and the Accelerated Bridge Construction Project show promise. However, consumers expect these efforts to yield real benefits in job creation and economic stability.
The Pulse Asia survey also sheds light on what Filipinos expect from their legislators.
The top duties identified include proposing and passing legislation (43 percent), implementing livelihood programs (43 percent), providing medical assistance (42 percent), and reviewing the government budget (40 percent).
These insights reflect the public’s demand for proactive and compassionate governance that directly improves their daily lives.
As the lead convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, I urge every Filipino to choose leaders who are not only qualified but also possess the intellect, track record, integrity, and commitment to control inflation, reduce poverty, and attract investments for job creation.
We need leaders who deliver responsive, well-implemented policies—not empty promises.
Our collective hope for 2025 is a Philippines where inflation is tamed, energy is affordable, jobs are abundant and fair, poverty is diminished, healthcare is accessible, and infrastructure uplifts every Filipino.
This can only happen if we elect transformative leaders who prioritize good governance, transparency, and effective policy execution.
Let this year be one where these wishes transform into reality.
By choosing leaders who lead with integrity and purpose – and doing our part as productive citizens – we can build a just, prosperous, and resilient nation.