The BGA Philippines Team, led by Managing Director Victor Andres Manhit, wrote an update to clients on the geopolitical risks and opportunities in Philippines in 2025.

Context

  • A nationwide survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) in January, covering 1,800 registered voters, highlights the key issues and advocacies expected to shape Filipino voter preferences in the upcoming midterm elections. Scheduled for May, these elections will determine the composition of the Senate, House of Representatives and local government units, making them a pivotal moment that could reshape the country’s legislative and governance landscape. 
  • The survey results underscore that economic concerns and access to basic social services remain top priorities for voters. A resounding majority expressed strong demand for platforms centered on job creation (94 percent), food security (94 percent) and healthcare system strengthening (93 percent) — critical priorities that are likely to influence electoral outcomes and drive national policy direction in the years ahead.

Significance

  • Some 94 percent of respondents prioritize candidates who advocate for increased job opportunities, emphasizing widespread concerns over employment security and fair wages. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country’s unemployment rate remained at 3.1 percent in December 2024, unchanged from the previous December, but slightly lower than the 3.2 percent recorded in November 2024. The number of unemployed individuals in December 2024 reached 1.6 million, slightly higher than the 1.6 million the previous December but lower than the 1.7 million recorded in November 2024. This highlights the need for policies that drive labor market growth and attract industry investments.
  • About 83 percent of respondents back candidates who emphasize defending national sovereignty, reflecting growing concerns over maritime disputes and Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea. Public sentiment favors leaders advocating for a stronger military presence, diplomatic strategies and reinforced national defense policies.

Implications

  • The survey results highlight the dominant issues shaping voter behavior, providing political candidates and parties with valuable insights for crafting platforms that align with public concerns. Economic stability remains the top priority, making job creation, food security and healthcare key areas for candidates seeking broad support. Additionally, environmental and climate policies are emerging as major electoral issues, with voters increasingly recognizing the need for disaster preparedness and sustainability initiatives. National security and economic sovereignty have also become significant concerns, particularly considering ongoing geopolitical tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
  • With the midterm elections serving as a referendum on current government policies, these findings suggest that the electorate will favor candidates who offer clear, evidence-based solutions to these pressing national challenges.

We will continue to keep you updated on developments in the Philippines as they occur. If you have any comments or questions, please contact BGA Philippines Managing Director Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit at vmanhit@bowergroupasia.com.

Best regards,

BGA Philippines Team

A small ginko leaf

Managing Director

Dindo is recognized as one of Manila’s most well-connected and savvy advisors on developments in government and business in the Philippines. Concurrent to his role as managing director for BGA’s operations in the Philippines, he is also the founder and managing director of the Stratbase Group and president of its policy think tank, the Albert del Rosario Institute for Strategic and International Studies. Since 1991, Dindo has served as a member of the faculty and is the former chair of the Political Science Department and a senior fellow of the La Salle Institute of Governance at the De La Salle ... Read More