Filipino voters want jobs — and they want candidates who will deliver them.

A recent national survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) and commissioned by think tank Stratbase Consultancy found that increasing job opportunities is the top issue that would make voters support a candidate in the upcoming May 2025 elections.

Livelihood and essentials

Close behind job opportunities on the voters' priority list were the development of agriculture and food security (93 percent), followed by strengthening the healthcare system (91 percent), protecting workers' rights and OFW welfare (88 percent), and ensuring equal access to education (85 percent).

Meanwhile, 87 percent of respondents said they would be more likely to vote for a candidate focused on reducing poverty and hunger, while 85 percent prioritized lowering the cost of basic goods and services.

The survey also shows meaningful support for other advocacy areas. Around 83 percent favor candidates with platforms addressing climate change and disaster preparedness, while 79 percent support the push for energy security and renewable energy. Support for defending national sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea is at 78 percent.

Fighting illegal drugs garnered support from 80 percent of respondents, while government corruption ranked lowest among listed issues, with 73 percent of voters saying it would influence their vote.