Filipinos rank affordable food prices, reducing corruption, and job creation as the top actions government leaders must primarily address in their communities, according to the latest Stratbase commissioned Pulse Asia survey conducted from December 12 to 15, 2025.
In a news release, the think-tank said the nationwide survey shows that 38% of respondents identified making food prices more affordable as the most urgent action government leaders should take. This was followed by reducing or eliminating corruption to improve service delivery (31%) and creating more jobs and livelihood opportunities (21%), making these the highest-ranked concerns across regions and socio-economic classes.
The survey indicates that Filipinos view economic hardship and corruption as closely linked issues. While food prices emerged as the most pressing concern nationwide, corruption ranked alongside economic priorities, underscoring public awareness that governance failures directly affect service delivery, household expenses, and livelihood opportunities.
Stratbase Group Founder and CEO, Prof. Victor Andres Manhit said the findings show that corruption is widely understood as an economic issue rather than a purely moral one.
“Filipinos recognize that corruption has direct consequences on their daily lives,” Manhit said. “When public funds are misused, people feel it through higher prices, weaker public services, and fewer job opportunities.”
He noted that the survey reflects expectations for parallel government action. “The public is not presenting an either-or choice,” he said. “They expect government leaders to address urgent economic concerns while at the same time ensuring accountability through investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those involved in corruption.”
The data also highlights increasing public scrutiny of governance performance, as Filipinos increasingly assess leadership based on tangible improvements in economic conditions alongside credible action to uphold accountability.
“The message from the survey is clear,” Manhit said. “People want concrete economic relief alongside credible action against corruption, because these issues are deeply interconnected in everyday life.”