“We see a public both aware and engaged, yearning for leaders who prioritize national interests and work toward a prosperous, equitable, and resilient Philippines.”
As the 2025 midterm elections approach, a recent survey commissioned by Stratbase and conducted by Pulse Asia on September 6 to 13 reveals a striking picture of Filipinos’ aspirations and concerns. These surveys underscore that job creation, fighting corruption, and steering the country toward investment-driven growth are the top priorities for many Filipinos.
Additionally, the overwhelming mistrust of candidates with pro-China leanings signals that Filipinos are keenly aware of the geopolitical forces shaping the nation’s future. These concerns underscore an opportunity and a responsibility to build a society that stands resilient, accountable, and aligned with its people’s values.
The majority or 57% of respondents emphasize the need for platforms centered around providing sustainable livelihoods. Economic growth fueled by investment, which 44% of Filipinos consider crucial, is another significant priority. This focus on investments signals a shared understanding that only a thriving economy can lay a solid foundation for the nation’s future stability and prosperity.
Investment-led growth not only opens the door to innovation and competitiveness but also makes the Philippines resilient in the face of global economic shifts. This resilience is an essential shield against the increasingly volatile geopolitical and economic dynamics we are currently facing.
Meanwhile, the fight against corruption holds strong significance for Filipinos. A remarkable 91% of respondents believe that those involved in corrupt practices should be held accountable while 41% want anti-corruption as a critical campaign platform in the 2025 elections. This level of concern reflects a deep-seated demand for transparency, integrity, and accountability in public service.
Corruption, as seen by many, is not just an ethical issue but a structural challenge that drains public trust, worsens poverty, and impairs effective governance. Addressing corruption, therefore, is not merely about policy; it’s about restoring faith in the institutions that exist to serve the people. Addressing this issue head-on promises substantial benefits, from restoring public trust and fostering inclusive economic growth to reinforcing the very foundations of our democracy.
On the geopolitical front, a separate survey conducted over the same period highlights Filipinos’ strong sentiments regarding China. Seven in 10 Filipinos say they will not support candidates with pro-China leanings, a stance driven by various factors. At the core, there is a patriotic desire to protect the nation’s sovereignty, especially in light of recent aggressions in the West Philippine Sea. At 70%, the resounding sentiment is that pro-China candidates could compromise the nation’s security and autonomy.
With a mere 1% seeing China as a trustworthy or beneficial partner for national development, it’s clear that Filipinos favor alliances with nations that respect our sovereignty, uphold democratic principles, and the rules based international order. The trust in allies like the United States (79%), Japan (50%), Canada (43%), and Australia (42%) reflects a shared vision for a stable and cooperative Indo-Pacific region, rooted in mutual respect and common values.
In these findings, we see a public both aware and engaged, yearning for leaders who prioritize national interests and work toward a prosperous, equitable, and resilient Philippines. This moment of reflection, however, is not just a fleeting glimpse of electoral preferences; it represents a collective aspiration. It’s a reminder that through our vote, we have the power to shape our country’s trajectory and hold our leaders accountable.
In resonance with the people’s aspirations reflected in these surveys, the annual Pilipinas Conference will again convene on November 6-7 with the theme “Navigating a Complex Geostrategic Landscape: Building Resilience Through Cohesive Cross-Sectoral Collaboration in 2025.” This year’s assembly of international thought leaders from the government, private sector, diplomatic allies, civil society, and the academe promises to yet another constructively sincere exchange of sage solutions that will hopefully spark positive actions to responsively address the nation’s multi-faceted challenges.
The conference’s first day will spotlight critical security challenges shaping the Indo-Pacific, focusing on safeguarding collective security and a rules-based order. Amid rising threats—from West Philippine Sea aggressions to cybersecurity risks like disinformation—the Philippines has responded with strategic alliances, reinforcing partnerships with like-minded nations to navigate these complex times.
As the pulse of the nation reveals a deep desire for accountable leadership, robust economic foundations, and resilient alliances, Filipinos are voicing their readiness to accelerate the nation’s economic velocity. The 2024 Pilipinas Conference, guided by these shared aspirations, has become more than a platform for finding strategic solutions to our most urgent problems —it’s an inspiring call to action for all to be committed to a prosperous and secure Philippines that every Filipino deserves.
