Most Pinoys want inflation tackled at SONA – Pulse

MANILA, Philippines — With inflation still deemed as the most urgent national concern among Filipinos, a majority of respondents of a recent Pulse Asia survey said they want President Marcos to discuss in his upcoming State of the Nation Address how his government plans to deal with the rising cost of basic commodities.

Results of the June 17 to 24 survey released yesterday found that 57 percent want Marcos to discuss or mention “controlling inflation” in his third SONA on July 22.

It was the only option selected by a majority of respondents, who were allowed to choose up to three issues.

Following inflation were improving the national economy (36 percent), creating more jobs or livelihood (35 percent) and actions to be taken to stop the incursion of other countries in Philippine territory, particularly the West Philippine Sea (31 percent).

Other issues that respondents want the President to discuss in his SONA include fighting graft and corruption (26 percent), increasing the pay of workers (24 percent), eradicating illegal drugs (21 percent), improving the educational system (18 percent) and peace in the country (18 percent).

These were followed by restoring unity among national officials (13 percent), restoring people’s trust in the government (12 percent) and changing the Constitution (five percent).

Less than one percent of the respondents wanted the President to talk about providing cash assistance, housing for the poor and support for small businesses.

The issues that Filipinos want Marcos to mention in his SONA are aligned with the most urgent national concerns that they identified.

Inflation was among the top three of 72 percent of the respondents, followed by increasing the pay of workers (44 percent), reducing poverty (32 percent), creating more jobs (30 percent) and fighting graft and corruption (22 percent).

These were followed by addressing involuntary hunger (20 percent), providing assistance to farmers (13 percent), promoting peace in the country (13 percent) and fighting criminality (11 percent).

Obtaining less than 10 percent were equal enforcement of the law (nine percent), reducing taxes (eight percent), providing support to small