Jobs, higher wages top Filipinos’ policy priorities — WR Numero

Filipinos want the government to prioritize creating new jobs and raising workers’ wages, according to the March 2026 nationwide survey of independent public opinion firm WR Numero.

The latest Philippine Public Opinion Monitor found that 63% of respondents identified the creation of jobs and livelihood as a top concern, up 41 percentage points from November 2025.

Increasing the wages of workers ranked second at 49%, climbing 15 percentage points from the previous quarter.

The survey asked Filipinos to choose up to three policy issues the government should prioritize from a provided list.

Four in 10 respondents, or 40%, want the government to focus on fighting illegal drugs, which entered the list as a new option this round.

Combating corruption and other wrongdoing in government registered 32%, up 3 percentage points, while lowering the prices of food and other basic goods slipped 8 percentage points to 26%.

Fighting crime, also a newly introduced option, was cited by 14% of respondents.

Combating poverty and assisting the poor dropped 11 percentage points to 12%, while fair enforcement of the law for both the powerful and ordinary citizens declined 6 percentage points to 10%.

Reduction of taxes and other government fees fell 11 percentage points to 6%, tied with holding accountable those involved in anomalous government flood control projects, which dropped 14 percentage points.

Legalizing same-sex marriage edged up 2 percentage points to 5%, matching strengthening preparedness and response to typhoons, earthquakes, and other disasters, which fell 13 percentage points.

Protection and care for overseas Filipino workers in different countries, defense against China’s intrusion in the West Philippine Sea, and strengthening the country’s coast guards and armed forces for national defense each registered 4%.

Regulating political dynasties drew 3% support, while legalizing divorce trailed at 1%.

WR Numero conducted the survey from March 10 to 17 through face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,455 Filipinos.

The poll carries a margin of error of ±3% at the 95% confidence level. Subnational margins of error are ±7% for the National Capital Region, ±4% for the rest of Luzon, ±6% for the Visayas, and ±5% for Mindanao.

The March 2026 survey also covers voter preferences for the 2028 elections, public opinion on the Anti-Dynasty Bill, the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte, and the detention and trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte at The Hague.

WR Numero said its subscription program now offers expanded demographic breakdowns, including comparisons between voters in the Lingayen-Lucena Corridor and the rest of the country, as well as analysis by generation covering Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation.

The full report is available at tinyurl.com/PPOM9Download.