Inflation and Wage Concerns Rise as Marcos' Popularity Dips

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President Marcos Jr. grapples with public dissatisfaction as inflation and wages dominate concerns.

A recent survey by Pulse Asia reveals growing frustration among Filipinos with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s handling of key economic issues. Out of 1,200 surveyed adults, a significant 66% expressed disapproval of the administration's efforts to manage inflation, identified as the top concern for 62% of the population. When it comes to increasing workers' wages—a pressing issue for 51%—48% were dissatisfied with the government's performance.

Conducted from 26th to 30th June, the survey assessed both individual and national priorities while gauging satisfaction with the government's actions across 14 policy areas. Compared to a similar survey in June 2024, disapproval regarding workers’ pay has grown by nine points, whereas discontent with inflation has decreased from 76% to 66%.

The urgency around workers' pay has surged, marking a 17-point increase since April, making it the fastest-growing concern among the issues surveyed. Meanwhile, concerns around inflation have slightly eased, dropping by eight points.

Despite these figures, the administration did receive majority approval on a few fronts: disaster response (63%), protection of overseas workers (62%), and aid to farmers (53%). However, approval for inflation control remained low at 18%, though this is an improvement from 5% in June 2024.

On a personal level, maintaining health remains the priority for 64% of Filipinos, albeit down from 71% the previous year. Secure employment or stable income is now the second-highest concern at 53%, which is a 10-point increase since 2024.

Economic unease is evident across various regions and social classes. Anxiety over having enough savings has grown by nine points year-on-year, while concerns about daily food security have eased by five points. Employment worries have notably spiked in the Visayas (up 23 points), Mindanao (up 14 points), and among middle-class citizens (up 17 points).

The survey followed a challenging midterm election for Marcos, where half of his endorsed senatorial candidates failed to secure seats, hinting at diminished political influence midway through his term. In response, Marcos called for a Cabinet review and requested courtesy resignations from all members.

Adding to the complexity, the 19th Congress struggled to reconcile diverging wage increase proposals before adjourning on 11th June. The House proposed a P200 (approximately 123 Thai Baht) daily minimum wage hike, while the Senate earlier approved a P100 (around 61 Thai Baht) increase. However, no bicameral conference discussions were held to harmonise these bills.

The current climate reflects a nation grappling with economic insecurity and political shifts, as Marcos faces mounting pressure to address the issues that matter most to Filipinos.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-07-17