Food prices and corruption remain top concerns for Filipinos. According to the latest Pulse survey commissioned by the Stratbase Institute, conducted from Feb. 27 to March 2, 2025, 41% of respondents want more affordable food such as rice, meat, and fish—an increase from 38% recorded in December. Calls for job creation also rose to 24%, up from 21%, while access to education and healthcare remained unchanged at 10%. Metro Manila registered the highest concern over corruption at 31%, followed by Luzon outside Metro Manila at 30%, the Visayas at 23%, and Mindanao at 16%. President and CEO of Stratbase Institute Victor Andres Manhit said the results reflect increasing public anxiety over food security and inflation amid global uncertainties. He urged the government to stabilize food and fuel prices, curb profiteering, and expand subsidies to protect vulnerable sectors. Metro Manila posted 33%, while the Visayas recorded 26%, down from 35% in the previous poll. The demand for lower food prices was highest in Luzon outside Metro Manila and Mindanao, both at 46%.
