Pulse Asia: Admin’s disapproval rating on inflation strategy hits 73%

CHRISTMAS AND HIGH PRICES Consumers buy fruits and vegetables at a market in Quiapo, Manila. These food staples have become more expensive, increasing the country’s inflation. —RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Most Filipinos disapproved of how the Marcos administration handled their top concern – inflation.

According to a new Pulse Asia survey released on Monday, controlling inflation remains the number one national concern for Filipinos.

As many as 72 percent of respondents listed it as one of their main worries as of December 2023.

Only 9 percent of respondents approve of the government’s efforts, but most of them thumbed down its actions.

“The national administration posts its only majority disapproval rating (73%) on the issue of controlling inflation, the single issue identified as urgent by most adults in the country (72%),” said Pulse Asia in its report.

The top concerns for Filipinos as of December 2023 are as follows:

1. Controlling inflation: 72 percent

2. Increasing worker salary: 40 percent

3. Job creation: 28 percent

4. Poverty reduction: 25 percent

Furthermore, Pulse Asia found out that 34 percent of respondents approve of how the government is trying to increase workers’ salaries.

Forty-five percent of Filipinos approve of the government’s job creation initiatives, and 24 percent approve of its programs to reduce poverty.

The survey, taken from December 3 to 7, has 1,200 respondents.

It had a ± 2.8% error margin and 95% confidence level.