Filipinos prioritize ag dev, price controls; SWS

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the think tank Stratbase Group found that 90% of Filipinos would vote for candidates advocating for agricultural development and food security in the upcoming midterm polls.

The survey, conducted from February 15 to 19, also revealed that 81% of respondents will support candidates who advocate for price controls on basic commodities.

Stratbase President Dindo Manhit emphasized the need for decisive action to address essential goods prices and noted rising food inflation accelerated to 4%, up from 3.5% in December.

Data forensics firm The Nerve's survey of Rappler readers found that controlling prices and inflation is a top priority among respondents, while helping farmers and improving agriculture ranks second.

Candidates like Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa, Tito Sotto, Ping Lacson, Abby Binay, Kiko Pangilinan, Manny Pacquiao, and Willie Revillame have proposed various solutions to address rising prices, including intensified crackdowns on smugglers, buying farmers' output, and using modern technology to encourage farming.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that overall inflation in January 2025 was steady at 2.9%, but concerns remain over rising food prices impacting low-income households.