A significant number of Filipino families remain uncertain about their economic standing, with 41 percent unable to say whether they consider themselves poor, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey by OCTA Research.
The survey, conducted from March 19 to 25, found that 35 percent of respondents—about 9.2 million families—rated themselves as poor, little changed from 37 percent, or roughly 9.7 million families, in December 2025.
Meanwhile, 24 percent said they are not poor, slightly higher than the previous 22 percent. However, the largest share of respondents remained undecided, underscoring persistent ambiguity in how households assess their financial condition.
Food insecurity also remains a concern. About 17 percent of families, or an estimated 4.5 million, reported experiencing hunger in the past three months, nearly unchanged from 16 percent, or 4.2 million families, in the previous quarter. The majority, or 83 percent, said they did not experience hunger during the same period.
The survey also highlighted income expectations and financial gaps. Respondents said a family would need at least P15,000 monthly to avoid being considered poor, yet 38 percent reported falling short by at least P5,000.
The first-quarter survey covered 1,200 adult respondents nationwide, with a margin of error of ±3 percent.