Jobs, food security still top issues for voters – SWS

MANILA, Philippines — Platforms concerning job creation and food security remain the top consideration of Filipino voters, a recent commissioned survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.

The April 13 to 14 poll, commissioned by the Stratbase group, found 93 percent of the respondents saying they will vote for candidates who advocate increasing employment opportunities and ensuring food security.

It was followed by strengthening the country’s health care system (91 percent), ensuring rights of workers (88 percent), reducing poverty (87 percent), controlling inflation (85 percent) and equal access to education (85 percent).

Survey results showed that the top considerations of Filipino voters hardly changed since January.

Other key issues include addressing the impacts of climate change (83 percent), fighting illegal drugs (80 percent), achieving energy security (79 percent), defending national security (78 percent) and eradicating graft and corruption (73 percent).

“Inflation continues to eat into daily wages, driving up the prices of food, transportation and essential services. Amid rising costs, even those with employment often find their incomes insufficient to provide for their families,” Stratbase president Dindo Manhit said.

“Filipinos are not asking for much – only for the dignity of stable work and the ability to support their loved ones,” he added.

Less than two weeks before the elections, Manhit urged voters to elect leaders who will ensure economic stability, create jobs and expand livelihood opportunities.

“Voters must continue scrutinizing each candidate’s track record and platform. Promises about job creation should not be empty words – they must be backed by clear programs and a history of action,” he added.

Manhit urged Filipinos to hold accountable those who will win the polls.

“Elected officials must get down to work immediately. There is no time for partisan bickering, polarizing rhetoric or disinformation campaigns,” he said.

“These only worsen political instability, which discourages businesses from investing in our economy – ultimately costing Filipinos the jobs they desperately need,” he explained.

The survey had 1,800 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus two percent.