FILIPINOS are divided on whether distributing ayuda during the election campaign period is acceptable, according to the latest national survey by non-partisan research firm WR Numero. Nearly half of Filipinos support the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) decision to ban aid distribution in the days leading up to the election.
The latest Philippine Public Opinion Monitor surveyed Filipinos on their views regarding the distribution of ayuda by politicians and election candidates during the campaign period, and the Comelec resolution to prohibit aid distribution in the days leading up to election day.
The non-commissioned survey revealed that 43% of Filipinos find the distribution of ayuda during campaign season acceptable, with 38% saying otherwise and some 20% unsure. Those who disapprove the most are Filipinos from Classes ABC and D, with 59% and 57%, respectively, finding the practice unacceptable. Filipinos in Class E are more divided, with 40% approving and 38% disapproving. (See Table 1)
Regionally, Metro Manila had the highest approval rate, with more than 1 in 2 considering the distribution acceptable (51%) during campaigns, and 37% saying otherwise. In contrast, Filipinos in Visayas disapprove the most with nearly 1 in 2 saying they disagree (48%). Meanwhile, Filipinos from the rest of Luzon and Mindanao are split on their opinion on the issue. (See Table 1)
The February survey noted that more than half of Filipinos (51%) reported receiving ayuda in the past three months, with 44% receiving it at least once. Class E had the highest percentage of recipients, with 52% receiving aid during that period. Regionally, Metro Manila had the highest proportion, with 60% of residents receiving aid in the past three months. (See Table 2)
When asked about their opinion on the Comelec resolution to prohibit ayuda distribution days before the May 12 election, almost 1 in 2 Filipinos (48%) support the measure, while 36% oppose it. Meanwhile, some 16% remain undecided. (See Table 3)
Across the income classes, support for the ban is highest among Filipinos from Classes ABC and D, where 3 in 5 Filipinos supported the measure (64% and 61%, respectively). Notably, Filipinos in Class E are divided on their opinion, with 39% disagreeing with the resolution and 43% supporting. (See Table 3)
In terms of region, support for the Comelec ban is strongest in Metro Manila, where 53% favor the prohibition, followed by Visayas (50%), the rest of Luzon (47%), and Mindanao (44%). On the other hand, disagreement with the measure is highest in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon (40% each), followed by Visayas (33%) and Mindanao (30%). (See Table 3)
The nationwide, non-commissioned survey, conducted from February 10 to 18, 2025, was done through face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,814 Filipinos aged 18 and older. The survey has a margin of error of ±2% at a 95% confidence level. At the subnational level, the margin of error is ±6% for the National Capital Region, ±5% for North and Central Luzon, ±5% for South Luzon, ±5% for the Visayas, and ±5% for Mindanao, all at the same 95% confidence level.
The complete Volume 2025 Issue 1 report is set to be released this March. The issue will feature the complete survey findings on the current state of public opinion on the upcoming 2025 general elections, the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, and crucial issues concerning the nation and the world. Sign up at bit.ly/PPOMSignup to receive updates once the complete WR Numero Philippine Public Opinion Monitor Volume 2025, Issue 1 is released.
