Survey: Dissatisfaction with government deepens

Porters at Divisoria Market in Manila are seen working on July 2, 2025.

STAR / Ryan Baldemor

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos dissatisfied with the way the government handles different issues have increased over the past year, a survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed.

Results of the Sept. 17 to 24 survey showed that the government received highest dissatisfaction rating on controlling inflation at 81 percent.

It increased by 17 points from 64 percent in a similar survey in September 2025.

The survey also found double-digit increases in dissatisfaction over the past year on issues such as fighting criminality (57 percent, from 44 percent), promoting peace (47 percent, from 35 percent), addressing the widespread sale and use of illegal drugs (71 percent, from 61 percent), reducing poverty (67 percent, from 57 percent) and defending Philippine territory (34 percent, from 24 percent).

The government also obtained majority disapproval ratings in three other issues: fighting graft and corruption (70 percent), lowering the price of gasoline (65 percent) and reducing the amount of taxes paid (30 percent).

Meanwhile the administration obtained higher approval than disapproval ratings in three issues: protecting overseas Filipinos (52 percent approve, 21 percent disapprove), responding to the needs of areas affected by calamities (40 percent approve, 35 percent disapprove) and providing assistance to farmers (35 percent approve, 34 percent disapprove).

Like in previous polls, it obtained lowest approval in terms of controlling inflation (10 percent), reducing poverty (11 percent), fighting illegal drugs (13 percent), lowering the price of gasoline (14 percent) and fighting graft and corruption (15 percent).

Most survey respondents identified inflation as their most urgent concern.

The survey had 2,400 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus two percent.