Inflation, low wages still top worries of Filipinos — survey

Inflation remained the primary national issue among adult Filipinos despite a drop from previous months, according to the second-quarter Tugon ng Masa survey by Octa Research.

The nationwide poll showed that 37% of respondents cited controlling the prices of basic goods as the most urgent issue for the Marcos administration, down eight percentage points from March.

“Even with this decline, inflation continued to rank as the number one national concern, underscoring the continued importance of cost-of-living issues to Filipino households,” Octa said.

Improving workers’ wages and salaries stood as the second most pressing national issue, cited by 34% of respondents.

Public concern over graft and corruption rose six percentage points to 32%, reaching its highest level since 2021 and ranking as the third most urgent national concern.

“This makes corruption the third most urgent national concern cited by adult Filipinos, reflecting heightened public attention to issues of transparency, accountability, and integrity in government,” Octa said.

Geographically, concern over government corruption was highest in Metro Manila at 56%, followed by Luzon at 32%, Mindanao at 26%, and the Visayas at 21%.

Octa noted that the survey fieldwork from July 4 to 11 coincided with the July 6 opening of Vice President Sara Duterte’s Senate impeachment trial and the arrest of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on plunder charges.

“Although the survey does not establish causal relationships between these events and public opinion, it is important to situate the findings within their broader national and international context,” it said.

Duterte’s articles of impeachment cited the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, while Marcoleta’s case involved an undeclared P75 million campaign donation.

“Concern about fighting graft and corruption in government increased significantly during the second quarter of 2026,” Octa said.

Among other national issues, concern over providing free quality education rose to 22%, whereas concern over reducing poverty dropped to a record low of 12%.

On a personal level, staying healthy and avoiding illness remained the primary worry for 65% of respondents.

Daily food security followed at 47%, while securing a stable job and maintaining financial savings tied at 41%.

The independent survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide.