A large majority of Filipinos want their elected leaders to prioritize transparency, accountability, and basic public services in the wake of the 2025 midterm elections, according to a nationwide survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) in partnership with the Stratbase Group.
The poll, conducted from May 2 to 6 and based on interviews with 1,800 registered voters, showed that 93 percent of respondents believe Vice President Sara Duterte must prioritize the country’s needs.
Meanwhile, 88 percent said she must address the impeachment charges filed against her and respond to corruption allegations to clear her name.
“For many, this is not just a legal matter—it is a test of leadership and respect to the rule of law,” the survey noted.
Stratbase Group president Prof. Dindo Manhit underscored the need for Duterte and other leaders to rise above political distractions.
“Accountability is not an option. It is foundational to public trust,” he said. “Prominent leaders like the Vice President should look past politics and personal interests, and respond to the people’s call for transparency. It is about time for her to answer all the allegations filed against her.”
“After all, it’s the Filipino people who our elected officials vowed to serve,” he added.
The survey further revealed that 86 percent want Duterte to focus on delivering her own policy agenda. Another 81 percent said she should continue performing her duties without politicizing her role, while 74 percent want her to stop criticizing the government and its initiatives.
“Filipinos want leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and stays focused on what matters most to ordinary citizens,” said Manhit.
Beyond political controversies, the poll identified top public concerns: 84 percent of respondents called for better access to healthcare services, 81 percent demanded improved food security and agricultural development, and 80 percent sought faster infrastructure development.
Climate resilience and environmental protection ranked next at 70 percent, followed by national security in the West Philippine Sea at 67 percent, and inflation management at 62 percent.
“These six issues are what the Filipino people are hopeful for President Marcos Jr. and his administration to accomplish,” the report said.
While Filipinos remain hopeful, Manhit noted a growing sense of scrutiny among citizens.
“People are demanding that they want honest and effective leadership. There is growing awareness that progress in sectors like healthcare and infrastructure is not possible without good governance,” he said.
Lawmakers are also under pressure to deliver concrete results. According to the survey, Filipinos expect Congress to prioritize social programs that address immediate needs.
“Filipinos expect both Houses of Congress to direct public resources towards solutions that improve lives, which can be felt through quality jobs, just compensation, improved infrastructure, enhanced health facilities, accessible education, and stable and affordable food supply,” Manhit said. “These are not new calls, but what is different now is the louder clamor from the public for better governance.”
The survey emphasized that public confidence in the Marcos administration hinges on how responsibly officials fulfill their mandates.
“There is an expectation that national policies will deliver on promises. But delivery must be anchored on governance that is principled and accountable,” Manhit stressed.
“As Filipinos look ahead, they are not just calling for programs, they want and deserve a kind of leadership that puts the country first and commits to transparency,” he added.
