Controlling inflation continues to be the most urgent issue for Filipinos, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted from February 27 to March 2, 2026.
The survey found that 59% of respondents identified inflation as their leading concern, with urgency levels virtually unchanged from December 2025.
Inflation ranked first and second among urgent issues, cited by 26% and 23% of respondents, respectively.
Other pressing concerns included:
- Graft and corruption in government — 47%
- Workers’ pay — 36%
- Reducing poverty — 21%
- Creating jobs — 21%
- Combating illegal drugs — 21%
- Fighting criminality — 17%
- Helping farmers — 14%
- Enforcing rule of law — 11%
- Addressing involuntary hunger — 10%
- Protecting the environment — 9%
- Promoting peace — 9%
The survey noted that inflation and corruption were the only issues considered urgent by a majority across regions and socioeconomic classes.
Inflation was cited as critical by 53% in the Visayas, 62% in Luzon and Mindanao, and 57%–63% across all social classes. Corruption was highlighted by 58% in Luzon outside Metro Manila and 64% of Class ABC respondents.
The findings come as the Department of Economy, Planning and Development warned that inflation could exceed 7% if the Middle East conflict escalates and persists.
The survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews with a nationwide sample of 1,200 adults aged 18 and above, with a ±2.8% margin of error at the 95% confidence level.