Inflation, corruption top Filipinos’ concerns as 2025 ends

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos ranked inflation and corruption as their foremost concerns as 2025 winds down, a Pulse Asia survey released on Tuesday, December 30 revealed.

The survey conducted from December 12 to 15 found that 59% of respondents said controlling the prices of goods and commodities is an urgent national concern.

The Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Cris Roque recently drew flak over her suggestion that P500 is enough for a Noche Buena or Christmas Eve dinner.

Following inflation, 48% of Filipinos cited fighting graft and corruption in government as a top priority. Public frustration over corruption has been evident throughout the year, with protests condemning scandals such as the flood control controversy and the alleged misuse of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte.

Pulse Asia surveys also reflect this rising concern over corruption. While only 15% to 26% of Filipinos cited corruption as a top national issue between 2022 and 2024, the figure rose noticeably in 2025.

In this year’s State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to crack down on corruption linked to flood control projects. Investigations have since uncovered a multibillion-peso corruption scheme involving contractors and public officials.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also been accused of involvement in the scheme, an allegation Malacañang has denied. The December 2025 survey also showed a declining trust for Marcos.

Other pressing national concerns include raising workers’ pay (39%), reducing poverty (22%), creating more jobs (19%), fighting criminality (19%), addressing illegal drugs (18%), strengthening law enforcement (13%), and preventing environmental destruction (10%).

Less than 10% of respondents found the following issues as top national concerns: peace, support for farmers, tax cuts, disaster response, hunger, small business assistance, welfare of OFWs, territorial defense, or counterterrorism efforts.

A total of 1,200 adult Filipinos participated in the survey, representing Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. – Rappler.com