FILIPINOS line up for free food in Manila. — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

NINE OF 10 Filipinos are likely to support candidates with a platform for jobs, healthcare, food security and education, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The survey, which was commissioned by Stratbase ADR Institute, found that 92% of Filipinos would vote for candidates who would push for job creation, while 91% would support those who seek to improve the country’s healthcare system.

Filipino voters would also vote for candidates who seek to revitalize the agriculture industry to bolster food security (91%) and those committed to promoting equal access to education (90%).

“Many Filipinos still struggle with everyday needs,” Stratbase President Victor Andres C. Manhit said in a statement on Thursday. “People want jobs because having work means having income to support their families.”

“Healthcare remains a priority because getting sick is expensive, and many still can’t afford proper treatment,” he added.

He also said food security is a top concern because food prices keep going up, and families want to be sure that there is always food on the table. “Education is seen as the key to a better future, especially for the younger generation.”

Millions of Filipinos will pick a new set of congressmen, 12 of the 24-member Senate and thousands of local officials on May 12.

“With just over a month left before the May elections, candidates should take this survey seriously,” Mr. Manhit said. “They must show they understand the real needs of the people.”

Meanwhile, 89% of Filipinos said they would vote for candidates who advocate workers’ rights including migrant workers, while 86% would back political aspirants with plans to reduce poverty.

A good number of Filipinos (85%) said they would vote for candidates batting for cheaper basic goods and services. “When prices of goods and services rise, it affects everyone,” Mr. Manhit said.

Climate change mitigation, disaster preparedness and national security concerns in the South China Sea also ranked high in the survey, with 82% of Filipinos expressing support for candidates with concrete plans to address these issues.

About 79% of Filipinos would support political aspirants that advocate for stable electricity and green energy, according to the survey.

“Interestingly, traditional campaign issues such as the fight against illegal drugs and corruption did not rank among the top 10 advocacies that influence voter preference,” Stratbase said.

Meanwhile, 79% of Filipinos said they favor politicians opposed to illegal drugs, while 71% would back candidates with a strong anti-corruption stance.

Mr. Manhit said voters should press candidates to reveal their plans for solving the issues highlighted by the SWS survey. “It’s not enough to make promises.”

SWS interviewed 1,800 Filipinos on March 15 to 20 for the poll, which had a 2% error margin. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio