Inflation top concern of Filipinos – survey
MORE than seven out of 10 Filipinos believe that controlling inflation is the biggest national concern, while only 1 percent think Charter change (Cha-cha) is an urgent issue, a survey by OCTA Research showed.
In its fourth quarter poll conducted Dec. 10-14, 2023, 73 percent said that controlling the prices of basic goods and services was still the most urgent concern among Filipinos, up by 21 points from July 2023.
Access to affordable food like rice, vegetables and meat followed at 45 percent, creating jobs at 36 percent, increasing salaries of workers at 34 percent, and reducing poverty at 32 percent.
Other priority issues with a higher than 10 percent rating include providing free and quality education, fighting graft and corruption in government, and promoting peace and order in the country.
Among the least urgent concerns were controlling the spread of the Covid-19 virus, controlling population growth, changing the Constitution, lowering electricity prices and combating illegal drugs.
Controlling inflation remained THE top concern across different areas. It was highest in Mindanao at 85 percent, followed by Balanced Luzon at 71 percent, the National Capital Region at 75 percent, and the Visayas at 64 percent.
Inflation was also a top concern among socioeconomic class E, with 81 percent, followed by class D at 72 percent and 63 percent in class ABC.
The survey showed that the government must prioritize the increasing prices of goods, services and food, according to Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas.
Cha-Cha has no direct benefit in resolving the problems of Filipinos in terms of low salaries and high cost of living,” she said.
ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said the poll showed that Filipinos view Charter change as just an excuse to extend the term of politicians and do away with the Constitution’s antiprovision against political dynasties.
“It will also make almost anything in our country for sale to foreigners, from land, schools to media,” Castro said.
But for pro-Charter change advocate and Albay 2nd District Rep. Jose Maria Clemente “Joey” Salceda, changing the Constitution is “naturally not an everyday household concern,” but Charter change is key to addressing the country’s most urgent national concerns.
The OCTA poll also found that 71 percent of the respondents considered being healthy and avoiding illnesses as their most urgent personal concern, followed by being able to eat every day (50 percent), having a secure source of income (47 percent), finishing schooling for their children (44 percent), and avoiding becoming a victim of any serious crime (36 percent).
The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.