Fifty percent of Filipino respondents in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) Survey believed that their quality of life had worsened over the past 12 months.
Only 23% of the respondents reported better living conditions, while 26% said their quality of life remained the same.
Results of the March 2026 survey showed that the number of “net gainers” — the difference between those with better quality of life and those with worse living conditions — dropped from -7 in November 2025 to -26. This is the lowest rating since -44 recorded in September 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most of the respondents who reported that their lives had worsened were from Metro Manila and Mindanao. However, SWS noted that "sharp decreases" were recorded in all areas of the country.
Reasons for these declines include rising prices of necessary commodities such as oil and fresh produce.
From the arrest of former President Duterte to the ongoing war in the Middle East, Filipinos are feeling the effects of a dwindling economy, with oil prices and inflation hitting record highs.
The survey was conducted on March 24 to 31 through face-to-face interviews with 1,500 Filipino adults. They were asked: "Kung ikukumpara ang uri ng inyong kasalukuyang pamumuhay sa nakaraang 12 buwan, masasabi ba ninyo na ang uri ng inyong pamumuhay ay mas mabuti kaysa noon, kapareho ng dati, o mas masama kaysa noon?"
Written by Eliah May Bañas, Insight PH
Eliah May Bañas, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
