Filipinos Split on ‘Ayuda’ Ban During Campaign – Survey

Filipinos are divided on whether distributing ayuda (financial aid) during the election campaign period is acceptable, according to the latest national survey by nonpartisan research firm WR Numero.

Nearly half of Filipinos support the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) decision to ban aid distribution in the days leading up to the election.

The Philippine Public Opinion Monitor surveyed Filipinos on their views regarding politicians and election candidates distributing ayuda during campaigns, as well as the COMELEC resolution prohibiting aid distribution before election day.

The noncommissioned survey found that 43% of Filipinos believe giving ayuda during campaigns is acceptable, while 38% disagree and 20% remain undecided.

Opposition is highest among Filipinos in Classes ABC and D, with 59% and 57%, respectively, rejecting the practice. Meanwhile, Filipinos in Class E are more divided, with 40% approving and 38% disapproving.

Regionally, Metro Manila had the highest approval rate, with 51% considering ayuda distribution acceptable during campaigns and 37% saying otherwise.

In contrast, disapproval was strongest in the Visayas, where 48% opposed the practice. Filipinos in Luzon (excluding Metro Manila) and Mindanao were split on the issue. (See Table 1)

The survey also found that more than half of Filipinos (51%) reported receiving ayuda in the past three months, with 44% receiving it at least once.

Class E had the highest percentage of recipients, with 52% receiving aid during that period.

Regionally, Metro Manila had the highest proportion, with 60% of residents receiving ayuda in the past three months. (See Table 2)

When asked about their opinion on the COMELEC resolution prohibiting ayuda distribution before the May 12 election, nearly half of Filipinos (48%) support the measure, while 36% oppose it.

About 16% remain undecided.

Support for the ban is strongest among Classes ABC and D, where 64% and 61%, respectively, back the measure.

Filipinos in Class E are divided, with 43% supporting the ban and 39% opposing it.

By region, support for the COMELEC ban is highest in Metro Manila (53%), followed by the Visayas (50%), Luzon (47%), and Mindanao (44%).

Meanwhile, opposition to the measure is highest in Metro Manila and Luzon (40% each), followed by the Visayas (33%) and Mindanao (30%). (See Table 3)

The nationwide, noncommissioned survey was conducted from Feb. 10-18, 2025, through face-to-face interviews with 1,814 Filipinos aged 18 and older.

The survey has a margin of error of ±2% at a 95% confidence level.

At the subnational level, the margin of error is ±6% for the National Capital Region, ±5% for North and Central Luzon, ±5% for South Luzon, ±5% for the Visayas, and ±5% for Mindanao, all at a 95% confidence level.