In the second quarter of 2026, inflation has emerged as the foremost concern for Filipinos, according to the Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey conducted by OCTA Research. The survey results, released on Tuesday, also spotlight rising apprehensions about corruption.
The survey indicates that 37 percent of respondents view inflation as the most pressing issue for the Marcos administration, down from 45 percent in March 2026. Improving wages follows closely at 34 percent, while 32 percent of Filipinos prioritize the fight against corruption.
Diverse Perspectives by Socioeconomic Class
The findings suggest that while concerns over inflation have eased from their March peak, the cost of living continues to dominate public priorities.
OCTA Research
- Access to affordable food ranks fourth at 24 percent.
- Providing free quality education is the fifth concern at 22 percent.
The survey reveals notable differences across socioeconomic classes. Among Class ABC respondents, corruption takes precedence at 42 percent, closely followed by inflation at 41 percent. In Class D, inflation and wages are equally prioritized at 36 percent each, while Class E respondents cite affordable food (42 percent) and inflation (40 percent) as their top concerns.
On a personal level, health remains paramount, with 65 percent of respondents identifying staying healthy as their top priority. Other significant concerns include having enough food daily (47 percent) and securing a stable income (41 percent).
Notably, health-related priorities vary by class. Class ABC respondents emphasize health at 70 percent, while Class E focuses on daily food security at 58 percent.
The survey, conducted from July 4 to July 11, 2026, involved face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult participants. It carries a margin of error of ±3 percentage points, with larger margins for subnational estimates.