LOWERING the cost of basic goods and raising workers’ wages are the top priorities that Filipinos want newly elected and returning members of Congress to address, according to the April 2025 national survey by non-partisan public opinion research firm WR Numero.
The latest Philippine Public Opinion Monitor asked respondents to identify three policy issues they believe newly elected senators and House representatives should prioritize.
The top policy priorities for Filipinos include lowering the cost of food and other basic goods (38%) and raising the wages of workers (36%). These are followed by combating poverty and assisting the poor, and fighting illegal drugs and crime (29% each). (See Figure 1)
A quarter of respondents said lawmakers should focus on job creation, while 23% pointed to curbing corruption. One in five cited restoring PhilHealth subsidies (20%) and addressing the education crisis (18%). (See Figure 1)
Fewer than 1 in 10 said the new Congress should prioritize resisting China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea (8%), boosting national defense (7%), promoting sex education (7%), or impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte (7%). Fewer than 5% supported prioritizing political dynasty regulation (5%), divorce (4%), and same-sex marriage (4%). (See Figure 1)
Expectations by regional cluster
In Metro Manila, 36% of respondents cited wage increases as a top concern, while 33% pointed to the rising cost of basic goods. Job creation and poverty reduction were each identified by 29%, while 26% said drug and crime prevention should be prioritized. (See Figure 2)
In the rest of Luzon, 44% of respondents said raising wages should be the main focus, followed by 42% who prioritized lowering prices. Tackling poverty and creating jobs were cited by 30%, while 26% pointed to drugs and crime. (See Figure 2)
In the Visayas, more than 40% said lowering prices should be the top legislative priority. One-third of Visayans (33%) emphasized fighting illegal drugs and crime, followed by poverty reduction (29%) and wage hikes (27%). About 25% said addressing corruption should be a key concern. (See Figure 2)
In Mindanao, 31% notably identified fighting drugs and crime as the most urgent concern. Nearly a third cited the cost of basic goods (29%), poverty (28%), and wage increases (28%) as top priorities. Twenty percent also highlighted corruption as a major issue. (See Figure 2)
Expectations by partisanship
Among voters who support the Duterte family and their allies, 35% said reducing the prices of food and goods should be prioritized, followed by 34% who emphasized fighting illegal drugs and crime. Thirty-one percent cited poverty reduction and wage hikes, while 24% prioritized job creation. (See Figure 3)
Supporters of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his allies said raising wages (42%) and lowering prices (39%) should be Congress’ top concerns. Other issues included poverty reduction (31%), corruption (25%), and job creation (23%). (See Figure 3)
Among opposition voters, such as those aligned with former Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Risa Hontiveros, 38% prioritized wage hikes, while 36% pointed to lowering the cost of basic goods. Other concerns included restoring PhilHealth subsidies (26%), fighting drugs and crime (25%), and reducing poverty (25%). (See Figure 3)
Independent voters largely echoed these concerns. Forty-two percent said Congress should focus on lowering food prices, followed by 39% who emphasized wage increases. About 29% each cited job creation and poverty reduction, while 28% pointed to illegal drugs and crime. (See Figure 3)
These findings are part of the WR Numero Philippine Public Opinion Monitor, Volume 2025, Issue 3 (Halalan 2025 National Survey). The survey includes the latest voter preferences for the May 2025 and 2028 elections, as well as public opinion on the conduct of the 2025 elections.
