Showering the poor with hundreds of billions of pesos in cash subsidies (“ayudanomics”) is not making a dent in the public perception that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is taking serious action to reduce poverty, nor is it considered to be taking concrete steps to stem the rising prices.

The Marcos administration has highlighted its efforts to control inflation, reduce poverty, and address employment, but a Pulse Asia survey suggested a different reality.

Pulse Asia’s Ulat ng Bayan survey, done on 26 to 30 June but released on 17 July, showed that the highest disapproval ratings were on inflation control, poverty reduction, anti-corruption efforts, wage increases, and addressing hunger.

The results were startling considering the government has thrown an estimated P242.422 billion into “ayuda” (aid) schemes such as Walang Gutom, Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).

It was also surprising that the P20 per kilo rice program has not been considered in the public perception of the government seriously addressing the inflation problem.

Controlling inflation remains the top issue where Filipinos consider the administration to be remiss, with 62 percent naming it among their three most urgent national concerns.

This marks an 8-point drop from the results in April and a 10-point decline year-on-year, suggesting some easing in public anxiety over rising prices.

In contrast, concerns over basic wages jumped sharply. A majority (51 percent of respondents) now say increasing workers’ pay is among their top national issues, up 17 points from April and 7 points from last year.

Other significant concerns include poverty (26 percent), jobs creation (25 percent), and corruption (24 percent).

Mixed ratings

Meanwhile, fewer Filipinos are concerned about criminality (17 percent, down 15 points from April), terrorism (1 percent), and the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (4 percent).

Despite gains in some areas, poor marks were recorded in the handling of the country’s top concerns.

Only three issues received majority approval — disaster response (63 percent), OFW welfare (62 percent), and helping farmers (53 percent).

However, Pulse Asia noted that approval ratings for all 14 governance issues improved from March to June 2025, with the biggest jump seen in agricultural assistance.

Yet, year after year, disapproval remains high across most governance metrics, particularly on socio-economic issues.

Gov’t falls short

The results underscore a significant disconnect between what Filipinos want and what they feel the government is delivering.

For instance, while inflation and workers’ pay top the list of urgent national issues, the government gets some of its lowest performance scores in those areas.

The survey highlighted data points indicating rising economic anxieties, particularly regarding job security, wage growth and savings.

“The administration has made gains in approval, but performance remains insufficient in the areas that matter most to the public,” Pulse Asia said.

With the Marcos administration entering the midpoint of its term, it faces mounting pressure to deliver on economic relief, stabilize prices, and address the day-to-day concerns of ordinary Filipinos, many of whom are still struggling to make ends meet.

Approval ratings for all 14 issues from March to June 2025 had increased, nonetheless.

The most significant quarterly gains were in agricultural assistance (+22 percentage points), inflation control (+13), job creation (+10), and wage increases (+9). Approval also rose by 7 points each in helping farmers and addressing hunger.

At the same time, indecision declined across 13 of the 14 issues, suggesting growing public clarity in evaluating the administration’s performance. Disapproval ratings fell most sharply in the areas of criminality (-13 points), inflation (-13), peace (-seven), and agriculture (- eight).

Year-on-year comparisons, however, showed a more critical trend. Disapproval rose in 12 of 14 issues between June 2024 and June 2025, with increases ranging from five to 16 percentage points.