Affordable basic goods, services voters' top concern - poll

The need for a better health care system was next with 50 percent, followed by strengthening the agriculture sector and securing a stable food supply (47 percent).

More job opportunities (41 percent), addressing poverty and hunger issues (38 percent) also received "significant consideration," OCTA said.

The respondents were asked to select presented issues which, "if advocated by a candidate," would make them consider voting for the candidate.

"A majority of adult Filipinos across all major areas and socioeconomic classes are likely to vote for a candidate who advocates for keeping basic goods and services affordable — with the exception of those in Mindanao and Class E, where support is slightly lower at 49 percent," OCTA said.

"Similarly, candidates who promote improving and strengthening the health care system receive majority support nationwide, except in Mindanao (37 percent) and among Class D voters (48 percent)," it said.

In contrast, support in Mindanao is higher for candidates who advocate the strengthening of the agriculture sector and ensuring a stable food supply (62 percent), as well as for those prioritizing the fight against illegal drugs (56 percent).

OCTA said that expanding job opportunities "resonates most strongly" with voters in Metro Manila at 54 percent and those in Classes A, B and C at 42 percent.

Emphasis on reducing poverty and addressing hunger ranges from 33 percent to 45 percent across major areas, with the highest percentage in Mindanao.

Among socioeconomic classes, respondents identifying poverty and hunger issues as top priority are almost the same — 36 percent to 39 percent, OCTA said.

Across age groups, a majority support candidates who are for keeping basic goods and services affordable — with the exception of those ages 18 to 24 (43 percent) and those ages 75 and above (48 percent).

Support for candidates who promote improving and reinforcing the health care system is strongest among those ages 55 and above, where it constantly reaches majority levels, OCTA said.