Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 12) — Most Filipinos see the need for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to control inflation and address other economic woes as he begins his six-year term, a survey conducted in late June found.
The Pulse Asia survey results released on Tuesday showed 57% of the respondents are concerned about the need to control the increase in the prices of basic goods and services. Other urgent concerns that topped the list include increasing the pay of workers (45%), reducing poverty for many Filipinos (33%), and creating more jobs (29%).
The chief executive told Cabinet members during their first meeting that all government departments will follow the central policy crafted by the economic managers. The economic team said it is fast-tracking policies to address constraints in food and transportation, which are the two main drivers of the 6.1% inflation rate in June.
Meanwhile, around 20% of the 1,200 respondents want the new administration to fight graft and corruption in the government, while next on the list are the need to enforce the law (15%), fight criminality (14%), and promote peace (14%).
Marcos’ first executive order abolished the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission to scrap what he deemed as duplicated and overlapping official functions as the country faces health and fiscal crises.
Fourteen percent of the respondents — who were allowed to pick up to three concerns — want the government to grant subsidy to those whose livelihood are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, only 7% see the need for the administration to stop the spread of COVID-19 despite cases steadily rising since May.
In comparison, during the start of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term in 2016, a Pulse Asia survey showed that majority of Filipinos wanted his administration to act on controlling price increase (68%), creating employment (56%), crafting pro-poor programs (55%), and reducing criminality (48%)— which was among Duterte’s top campaign promises.
