If the results of the latest Social Weather Stations survey are an accurate reflection of popular sentiment, the majority of Filipinos want the Marcos Jr. administration to fight inflation first before corruption issues.
The numbers indicate that 56 percent of Filipinos believe the government should focus on inflation while only 31 percent want to combat corruption first.
It shouldn’t be one or the other.
In other words, the administration should recalibrate its priorities toward policies that directly ease the burden of high living costs at this point even while pursuing reforms that eliminate corruption.
It is true that many Filipinos are still struggling to afford basic food.
Hence, through this survey, Filipinos are sending a strong message that government should address inflation and prioritize food security while ensuring that public officials should always uphold transparency and accountability.
The survey emphasizes the need for the Marcos administration to rethink its priorities and adopt policies aimed at easing the burden of high living costs while also putting in place reforms that curb corruption.
The inflation rate in September stood at 1.7 percent, representing a six-month high. This has been driven by surging food costs after a series of storms that flooded farms and destroyed crops.
Filipinos are demanding urgent relief from inflation, but not at the expense of accountability. The government must pursue a dual-track strategy: stabilize food prices while ensuring full transparency in the investigation of the flood control scandal.
To respond effectively, the Marcos administration must recalibrate its priorities without abandoning either front.
On one hand, it should take action toward immediate inflation relief. The government should expand targeted subsidies for rice, vegetables, and essential goods, especially for low-income families.
At the same time, it should accelerate importation and distribution of food staples to stabilize supply and prices.
Support for farmers is essential. They should be given emergency assistance, crop insurance, and climate-resilient infrastructure to recover from storm damage.
At the same time, the government should open the flood control probe to public scrutiny by making its findings public, holding public hearings, and involving civil society watchdogs.
This moment is not just a crisis; it’s a pivotal moment.
The government should adopt three basic thrusts: food security as a human right; corruption as a threat to survival; and transparency as the foundation of economic recovery.
By doing all this, the government can align with public sentiment, restore credibility, and gather momentum for meaningful reforms.
