A Pulse Asia survey from December 12-15, 2025, reveals controlling inflation as the leading worry for Filipinos at 59%, with graft and corruption close behind at 48%—boosted by the ongoing flood control scandal that sparked protests and charges earlier in the year. Inflation concerns rose 5 points from Q3, topping lists across most regions and lower-income groups, while corruption led in Metro Manila and middle-class respondents.
The survey underscores public priorities amid the 2025 flood control corruption scandal, which involved misallocated infrastructure funds, mass protests, and criminal cases against officials and business leaders.
Key Results:
- Controlling prices of basic goods/services: 59% (up from 54% in Q3)
- Fighting government corruption: 48% (down from 51%)
Regional/Class Breakdown: Inflation dominated in balanced Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and classes D/E. Corruption was prioritized more in Metro Manila and class C.
Other Concerns (percent selecting as top 3): Increasing workers' pay (39%), reducing poverty (22%), job creation (19%), fighting criminality (19%), illegal drugs (19%), equal law enforcement (13%), environmental protection (10%), peace promotion (9%), farmer aid (9%), tax reduction (8%), calamity response (8%), hunger (8%), small business support (6%). Issues like OFW protection, territorial defense, and anti-terror prep scored under 5%.