MANILA, Philippines – Filipino voters show exceptionally strong support for two key reform areas: fiscal measures and government accountability, particularly in infrastructure spending, according to the latest PAHAYAG national survey.
Addressing financial pressures remains the top priority. Nearly nine out of ten Filipinos (88%) support measures such as reducing the Value-Added Tax (VAT), rescheduling estate taxes, and abolishing the travel tax. This reflects the continued strain of rising costs on households and the broad demand for government intervention to ease the burden.
However, this demand for relief is matched, if not amplified, by a growing insistence on transparency and accountability in government. An equally strong 88% support a petition urging the Supreme Court of the Philippines to require the disclosure of the Senate committee report on alleged flood control anomalies.
Further reinforcing the issue, 84% of respondents express deep concern over the lack of transparency and accountability in the anomalous flood control investigations.
Beyond infrastructure accountability, governance reforms also receive strong backing. Eight in ten Filipinos (81%) support banning political dynasties up to the second degree of family relations. Similarly, 79% are concerned about law enforcement’s ability to track and arrest high-profile fugitives, including Atong Ang and Zaldy Co.
Support extends to symbolic and institutional measures. More than three-fourths (77%) favor declaring the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution (February 25) as a regular national holiday.
Meanwhile, governance responses to current challenges also receive notable backing. Seven in ten Filipinos (70%) support granting emergency powers to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address rising oil prices, while 67% support filing an ethics complaint against Bato Dela Rosa over prolonged Senate absences.
Across these issues, a consistent pattern emerges: Filipinos are not only seeking immediate economic relief but are also calling for long-term reforms anchored on transparency, accountability, and stronger governance.
