Filipinos prioritize agriculture, food security, healthcare in May elections

According to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Friday, Filipino voters in the upcoming May 12 midterm elections are most likely to support candidates advocating for agriculture development, food security, and healthcare system improvements.

The survey, conducted from February 15 to 19, 2025, found that 90 percent of respondents would vote for a candidate prioritizing agricultural development and ensuring food security, down slightly from January's 94 percent.

Similarly, 90 percent expressed support for candidates advocating the strengthening of the healthcare system, compared to 93 percent in the previous month.

Job creation remains crucial with 89 percent backing candidates who aim to increase job opportunities, although this is a slight decline from January’s 94 percent.

Support for equal access to education also saw a drop from 92 percent to 89 percent, while new issues such as fighting crimes victimizing ordinary citizens and supporting Vice President Sara Duterte's fair impeachment trial gained significant support at 72 percent and 53 percent respectively.

Additional concerns highlighted by the survey include workers' rights (88%), poverty reduction (83%), controlling basic service prices (81%), climate change preparedness (79%), national security in the West Philippine Sea (77%), illegal drugs (77%), energy security (75%), and political dynasties (63%).