Metro Manila, Philippines – The lack of employment opportunities and low wages are the top issues Filipinos want the government to address, a nationwide independent survey by WR Numero found.
The results of the study conducted with a sample of 1,455 Filipinos in March was released by the poll body on Friday, May 1.
When asked to cite policy issues they want the government to prioritize, creating jobs and livelihood (63%) and increasing workers wages (49%) emerged as top concerns for Filipinos.
The percentage of answers for these policies went up by 41 and 15 percentage points, respectively from November 2025.
Meanwhile, other participants said they want the government to prioritize fighting illegal drugs (40%), combat corruption and other wrongdoings in government (32%), and lower the prices of goods and other basic goods (26%).
Survey participants also stressed the importance of fighting crime (14%), combating poverty and assisting the poor (12%), and fair enforcement of the law for both the powerful and ordinary citizens (10%).
A smaller number of respondents urged the government to prioritize reducing taxes and other government fees (6%), to hold accountable those involved in anomalous government flood control projects (6%), legalizing same-sex marriage (5%), and strengthening preparedness and response to typhoons, earthquakes, and other disasters (5%).
Some Filipinos also supported the protection and care for overseas Filipino workers in different countries (4%), defense against China’s intrusion in the West Philippine Sea (4%), strengthening our coast guards and armed forces for national defense (4%), regulating political dynasties (3%), and legalizing divorce (1%).
The nationwide survey, conducted from March 10-17, was done through face-to-face interviews with a ±3% margin of error and 95% confidence level.
