A new national survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS), commissioned by Stratbase Consultancy, revealed what’s really on the minds of Filipino voters as the May 2025 elections approach — and topping the list is jobs.

The survey showed that creating more job opportunities is the number one issue that would win over voters. The message is loud and clear: Filipinos want leaders who will focus on stable livelihoods and long-term financial security.

Not far behind, a staggering 93 percent of respondents said they’d back candidates who prioritize agriculture and food security, underscoring widespread concern over food production and price stability.

Healthcare is also a major voter focus, with 91 percent emphasizing the need for a strong and accessible health system. Meanwhile, 88 percent said it’s crucial to uphold workers’ rights and protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), reflecting the country’s deep reliance on its migrant labor force. Education remains a key concern as well, with 85 percent citing equal access to quality schooling as a priority.

Voters also expressed strong support for anti-poverty measures. Some 87 percent said they were more likely to vote for candidates with clear programs to reduce poverty and hunger, while 85 percent want action on lowering the cost of basic goods and services — highlighting the continuing frustration over high inflation and rising living costs.

The survey showed that voters care about long-term risks: 83 percent said they’d support candidates committed to climate change action and disaster preparedness, and 79 percent back initiatives on energy security and renewable energy development.

National sovereignty also remains an important concern, with 78 percent of respondents saying that defending the country’s claims in the West Philippine Sea will influence their vote. Fighting illegal drugs is still on voters’ radar, too, with 80 percent signaling support for candidates focused on the issue.

Interestingly, despite its usual prominence in political campaigns, government corruption ranked lowest among the voter priorities — though still significant — with 73 percent saying it would impact their choice of candidate.

This latest snapshot showed a shift in voter priorities toward bread-and-butter issues — jobs, food, healthcare and education — while still keeping security and environmental concerns in view.

For comparison, during the 2022 national and local elections, Pulse Asia reported that 63 percent of voters ranked controlling inflation and reducing the cost of basic goods as the top issue. This was followed by boosting workers’ pay (46 percent), creating more jobs (34 percent), fighting corruption (33 percent), and improving the education system (29 percent).