By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Echoing earlier sentiments reflected in a previous survey noting Filipinos’ backing of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s anti-corruption campaign, the results of the Tugon ng Masa survey released by OCTA Research on Monday show an uptick in the citizenry’s concern over corruption.
The survey notes a sharp increase in public concern over corruption, yielding an increase of 18 percentage points—from 13% in July to 31% in September, now placing this malpractice in governance among the top five national issues that resonate with the masses.
This reinvigorated call for accountability in the government has overtaken access to affordable food (31%), improving or increasing wages (27%), and reducing poverty (23%), but trails behind regulating the price increases on basic goods and services (48%).
Such figures represent a paradigm shift, with the public becoming increasingly aware and informed about the ills of the government, treating it as a noteworthy subject warranting prompt action and response vis-à-vis economic concerns that typically rank high in similar polls.
The survey, meanwhile, noted minimal changes in the urgent personal concerns of adult Filipinos, which is evident in the top five priorities that mirror previous polls:
- Staying healthy and avoiding illnesses (63%)
- Having enough to eat every day (49%)
- Finishing schooling/being able to provide education for children (49%)
- Having a secure and well-paying job/source of income (46%)
- Avoiding being a victim of serious crime (38%)
This shows a stark contrast with previously mentioned figures on national concerns, with health, education, and job security considered by the citizenry as crucial in ensuring their welfare and stability.
The nationwide survey was conducted from September 25-30, 2025, using face-to-face interviews on 1,200 male and female respondents aged 18 and above, with a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level. (with report from Harley Valbuena | PTV News)
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