Filipinos want gov’t to cut food prices, curb corruption and create jobs — survey

FOUR in 10 (41%) of Filipinos are calling on the government to prioritize measures that will lower food prices, according to a March survey by Pulse Asia Research, Inc., as higher fuel costs driven by the Middle East crisis strain households.

The March poll, commissioned by think tank Stratbase ADR Institute, also found respondents want Philippine leaders to prioritize policies that would lessen, if not eliminate corruption (26%) and create more jobs and livelihood opportunities (24%). The remaining 10% said the government should provide accessible education and healthcare services.

The think tank noted a three-percentage-point increase in the share of respondents calling for more affordable food prices, which Victor Andres C. Manhit, Stratbase ADR Institute president and chief executive officer, linked the growing anxiety over food security.
“What we are seeing is how geopolitical tensions are directly affecting Filipino households,” Mr. Manhit was quoted as saying in a statement on Thursday.

“While corruption remains an important issue, ordinary citizens are now more focused on immediate economic pressures including food prices and income stability,” he added.

On its third week, the escalating Iran war has severely disrupted global oil trade, as Iran continues to blockade fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil.

Meanwhile, Filipinos calling for the government to curb corruption slipped five percentage points from 31% in December, which the think tank attributed to the winding down of the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.

Mr. Manhit said that the government must respond decisively by stabilizing food and gas prices, penalizing profiteers, and expanding its subsidy program to support the vulnerable sectors from further shocks.

“Addressing rising food prices must go hand in hand with creating more jobs and ensuring that economic gains are felt at the local community level,” he added.

Pulse Asia interviewed 1,200 Filipinos on Feb. 27 to Mar. 2 for the poll, which had an error margin of ±2.8 points. — Adrian H. Halili