Filipinos want gov't to tackle food prices, jobs as Middle East oil crisis bites — surveyPresident Marcos inspects basic commodity prices and supply at Agora Market in San Juan City on March 18, 2026, joined by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora. The survey released Thursday, March 19, found that 41% of respondents picked the affordability of food prices as their most important concern. In Balance Luzon and Mindanao, 46% of respondents flagged food affordability, up from 41% and 40%, respectively, in December. Stratbase Institute President Dindo Manhit said the findings reflected growing anxiety over food security and inflation amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. “While corruption remains an important issue, ordinary citizens are now more focused on immediate economic pressures, including food prices and income stability.”

Source: Philippine Star March 19, 2026 08:14 UTC