Corruption Tops Filipinos' Wishlist for SONA 2026

A recent survey by Pulse Asia reveals that corruption is the primary concern for Filipinos ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 24. The survey indicates that nearly 30% of respondents want the President to address issues related to corruption, particularly in connection with flood control projects.

According to the survey, 29.8% of adults identified corruption as the most pressing issue they wish to hear discussed during Marcos' fifth and penultimate SONA. Among those focused on corruption, 18.9% specifically expressed a desire for the President to outline the government's efforts to investigate and hold accountable individuals involved in the flood control scandal. Additionally, 10.9% of respondents mentioned a general interest in anti-corruption initiatives.

The Pulse Asia survey was conducted from June 28 to July 6, involving 2,400 adult participants. This timing is significant, as it follows the Sandiganbayan's recent decision to arrest Senator Jinggoy Estrada on plunder charges related to allegations of kickbacks from flood control projects.

Marcos' upcoming address marks a year since he initiated investigations into public works anomalies. During his 2025 SONA, he acknowledged that many flood control projects were substandard or fictitious and called for a thorough investigation, promising to pursue those responsible for the corruption.

Following corruption, the second most pressing issue identified by respondents was the affordability of basic goods, with 18.7% expressing concern. Other significant issues included job creation and livelihood opportunities (6.6%), poverty (6.2%), and illegal drugs (5.5%).

The survey also highlighted that concerns about low wages (5.1%), high fuel prices (4.9%), and agricultural issues (4%) were prevalent among respondents. Notably, the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, which began on July 6, garnered minimal attention, with only 1.2% of respondents prioritizing it.

Geographically, corruption was the leading concern in Metro Manila (35%), the rest of Luzon (32.7%), and Mindanao (29.7%). Among socioeconomic classes, it was most pressing for Classes ABC (42.1%) and D (29.6%). In contrast, Class E prioritized affordable goods (23.8%), followed by poverty (15.9%) and corruption (13.8%). In the Visayas, affordable basic commodities (22.7%) were the top concern, with corruption trailing at 19.3%.

The survey also found that 81% of Filipino adults are aware of Marcos' previous SONAs, a figure that remains statistically unchanged from 78% in June 2025. Awareness levels were highest in Metro Manila at 90% and among Class ABC at 89%.

As the nation prepares for the President's address, the focus on corruption and accountability in flood control projects underscores the public's demand for transparency and action from the government. The upcoming SONA will be a critical moment for Marcos to address these pressing concerns and outline his administration's plans moving forward.