The votes are in, and it is likely that we already have an idea, or certainty, on who emerged victorious in the elections held last Monday.
A fresh mandate has been given — now comes the responsibility of watching what’s done with it. The courting and wooing have ended. On June 30, when they assume office, the people have to begin the more arduous task of holding them accountable for their promises and commitments.
And just as the people made their voice felt by choosing which among the candidates would win, so have they asserted their voice by identifying the issues that made them vote for this or that politician.
Our new leaders should listen to this voice.
During a survey conducted last month, the Social Weather Stations found that the issues most pertinent to voters are still the same economic concerns, or how they will be able to sustain a decent standard of living from day to day.
According to the survey, for instance, 93% of Filipinos would support a candidate promising to create more job opportunities. This shows how much people value stable work and a chance to earn a decent living. Leaders who focus on job creation are directly addressing what families need to thrive.
Another top priority is agriculture and food security, also supported by 93% of voters. Filipinos want leaders who will support farmers, boost food production, and ensure families don’t go hungry. This isn’t just about food — it’s about strengthening the backbone of the economy.
Healthcare is a major concern, with 91% of voters supporting candidates who will strengthen the system. Filipinos want reliable access to doctors, hospitals, and affordable medicine — especially in critical moments, like sudden illness or medical emergencies. Investing in healthcare isn’t just policy; it’s a commitment to every Filipino’s well-being.
Reducing poverty and hunger (87%) and controlling the prices of basic goods and services (85%) are also high on the list. People want leaders who will make life easier, especially for those struggling to make ends meet. This means lowering the cost of essentials like food and electricity and helping families rise out of poverty.
At the end of elections, the usual admonition is to listen to and respect the will of the people. Bearing these issues in mind will be a form of respecting the people’s will. This is because nobody can claim to know more about what they need and want from their leaders than the people themselves.
Thus, after the congratulatory celebrations and the termination of campaign operations, the newly elected leaders must buckle down to work, mindful of what the people are truly expecting of them.
What truly matters to Filipinos are the real-life issues they face — not political personalities or feuds. Too often, leaders rely on loyalty-driven narratives, casting themselves as victims or heroes coming to the rescue to build their power base. This only deepens division, turning citizens against each other based on who they support.
But the electorate is beginning to shift. By speaking up about the issues that affect their daily lives, voters signal a hopeful move toward issue-based politics — and away from the personality-driven choices.
The only thing that our political leaders should be addressing is how to respond to the people’s most pressing concerns, which are socio-economic in nature. Midway into the term of this administration, we have seen it focus on economic recovery, job creation, and agricultural development. There have been programs aimed at modernizing agriculture and ensuring food security.
If actual election results eventually align with surveys, administration-backed lawmakers would secure a majority of available spots in the Upper and Lower Chambers. This ensures that the next batch of congressional leaders will be able to advance the administration’s policy agenda — from promoting political stability and responding to public concerns, to reinforcing the country’s defense posture.
With majority control in Congress, the administration can more effectively pass laws that align with its key priorities — including asserting the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea and deepening alliances with like-minded countries like the United States and Japan. A cooperative legislature reduces political gridlock, allowing for smoother governance and faster rollout of strategic initiatives. In a time of rising geopolitical tensions, strong legislative support is also crucial for boosting military readiness, upholding international law, and securing funding for strategic partnerships.
A unified Congress will be instrumental in ensuring a fair and credible resolution to the impending impeachment trial of the Vice-President — a process that, if mishandled, could deepen the Marcos-Duterte rift and erode public trust in the administration. Majority control not only helps preserve political stability and project unity but also boosts investor confidence by creating a more predictable governance environment. It also allows for the smoother passage of key policies on infrastructure, tax reform, foreign investment, labor, and national security — ensuring continuity in the country’s economic strategy.
Victor Andres “Dindo” C. Manhit is the president of the Stratbase ADR Institute.
