What's shaping voter choices in the May 2025 Philippine elections?
Latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey sheds light on the critical issues and advocacies that could sway Filipino voters
Employment, food security, and a stronger healthcare system have emerged as key factors shaping Filipino choices in the upcoming May 2025 elections, according to the latest Stratbase-Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Thursday, May 1.

The survey, conducted between April 11 and 15, revealed key insights into what could influence voters' decisions during the national elections.
Key survey findings
The survey posed a critical question to respondents, asking whether certain issues or advocacies would make them more likely to vote for a candidate in the upcoming elections.
The key takeaway from the survey is that voters remain highly sensitive to a candidate's stance on various national issues.
According to the survey, 93 percent of respondents said they would vote for candidates who promote increased job opportunities, prioritize agricultural development, and ensure food security.
It also revealed that 91 percent would vote for candidates who support strengthening the healthcare system, while 88 percent would back those who advocate for workers’ rights and OFW (overseas Filipino workers) welfare.
Candidates who include poverty and hunger reduction in their platforms would receive support from 87 percent of respondents.
Other driving factors influencing voter decisions include: controlling the prices of basic goods and services, ensuring equal access to education, addressing the impacts of climate change and enhancing disaster preparedness, fighting illegal drugs, achieving energy security and promoting the use of renewable energy, defending national security and sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea, and eradicating graft and corruption in government.
Survey methodology and data collection
The Stratbase-SWS survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with a representative sample of 1,800 registered voters nationwide.
The sample included 300 respondents from Metro Manila, 900 from Balance Luzon (Luzon excluding Metro Manila), 300 from the Visayas, and 300 from Mindanao. This methodology aims to ensure a comprehensive and diverse representation of the electorate.