By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
A recent survey revealed that most Filipinos prefer Senate candidates who prioritize public healthcare funding, education, and rising costs of basic goods.
The February 2025 Philippine Public Opinion Monitor, conducted by public opinion research firm WR Numero, showed that 80 percent of Filipinos support candidates advocating for increased government subsidies for PhilHealth.
Education emerged as the second most critical issue, with 67 percent of respondents backing candidates who address the country’s education crisis.
Rising food and commodity prices ranked third, with 54 percent of Filipinos supporting candidates focused on tackling inflation.
Cleve Arguelles, President and CEO of WR Numero, said these priorities reflect the public’s primary concerns.
“Whether you ask them about the problems the government needs to address, or what issues candidates should focus on in the Senate, it’s consistent that these are the fish-and-rice issues—health, education, and inflation,” Arguelles said during a press conference.
Nearly half of respondents (48 percent) also supported candidates advocating for Comprehensive Sexuality Education, compared to 25 percent who opposed it.
However, the survey identified impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and same-sex marriage laws as the least popular issues among voters.
Only 25 percent expressed support for candidates backing Duterte’s impeachment, while 43 percent opposed such candidates.
Similarly, 49 percent of respondents said they would not support candidates advocating for same-sex marriage laws, while only 26 percent were in favor.
Filipinos appeared divided on other key issues, including relations with China, political dynasties, and divorce laws.
Forty percent supported cooperation with China, while 33 percent opposed it. Meanwhile, 42 percent said they would not support candidates advocating for military preparations amid West Philippine Sea tensions.
Support for regulating political dynasties was also mixed, with 39 percent in favor and 29 percent against. The proposed divorce law faced similar division, with 33 percent supporting it and 39 percent opposing it.
Arguelles noted that these contentious issues often align with political or moral values, leading to divided opinions.
“It doesn’t mean these aren’t important conversations, but for Filipinos, topics like divorce, same-sex marriage, and regulating political dynasties are contentious. While not purely political, they touch on moral and values-based considerations, which explains the lower level of agreement,” he said.
The nationwide survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,814 Filipinos aged 18 and above, with a margin of error of ±2 percent. (Image courtesy of WR Numero)
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