Majority of Filipinos Favor Military Action and Diplomacy in Resolving the West Philippine Sea Issue
According to a recent survey conducted by Octa Research, seven out of ten Filipinos support a combination of military action and diplomacy in resolving the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue. The survey, known as the Tugon ng Masa survey, was conducted in the first quarter of 2024 and involved 1,200 respondents.
The results of the survey revealed that 73 percent of the respondents wanted the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expand naval patrols and troop presence in the disputed waters. This indicates a growing desire among Filipinos for a more assertive stance in protecting Philippine territories.
Furthermore, 72 percent of the respondents expressed their preference for settling the dispute through diplomatic means. This highlights the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving the WPS issue. Additionally, 68 percent of the respondents believed that the military should be modernized to better protect Philippine territories.
When it comes to joint military patrols, 43 percent of the respondents favored this approach, indicating a willingness to collaborate with ally countries. On the other hand, 32 percent preferred the expansion of diplomatic efforts, both within and outside the region. Interestingly, 12 percent of the respondents were agreeable to joint development efforts with China.
It is worth noting that the preference for military fortification increased by 2 percentage points, surpassing the preference for diplomatic measures based on the previous survey. This shift in preference suggests a growing sentiment among Filipinos for a more assertive stance in the West Philippine Sea.
Ranjit Rye, a founding fellow of Octa Research, emphasized the significance of the survey data, stating, “Based on the data, it is clear that over the last four quarters, the majority of Filipinos overwhelmingly support a more assertive stance in the West Philippine Sea.”
Regional Variations in Preferences
The survey also revealed interesting regional variations in the preferences of Filipinos regarding the West Philippine Sea issue. Respondents from the National Capital Region (NCR) registered the highest percentage (85 percent) among those who favored aggressive measures. This indicates a strong desire for a more assertive stance in the NCR.
In the Visayas region, 77 percent of the respondents expressed their preference for modernizing the military. This suggests that the Visayans recognize the importance of a strong military presence in safeguarding Philippine territories.
Notably, there was a significant drop in the percentage of NCR respondents who wanted a modernized military amid China’s threat. In December 2023, 71 percent of NCR respondents expressed this preference, but it decreased to 52 percent in March 2024, a drop of 21 percentage points. This shift in preference may be attributed to various factors, such as changes in geopolitical dynamics or evolving perceptions of the issue.
Socioeconomic Class Differences
The survey also examined the preferences of different socioeconomic classes in the Philippines. Socioeconomic Class ABC showed a strong inclination towards engaging in diplomatic means to diffuse tensions, with 78 percent expressing this preference. On the other hand, Class D and E were statistically tied in their support for both military action and diplomacy.
There was a notable increase among respondents from Class ABC and E who preferred asserting the country’s territorial rights through military action. In December 2023, 65 percent of Class ABC respondents and 58 percent of Class E respondents expressed this preference. However, in March 2024, these percentages increased to 76 percent and 72 percent, respectively. This indicates a growing sentiment among these socioeconomic classes for a more assertive approach.
Conversely, there was a decrease in the percentage of Class E respondents who preferred using diplomatic measures to diffuse tensions. In December 2023, 83 percent of Class E respondents expressed this preference, but it decreased to 66 percent in March 2024, a 17-percent drop. This shift in preference may be indicative of changing perceptions or evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Conclusion
The Octa Research survey provides valuable insights into the preferences of Filipinos regarding the West Philippine Sea issue. The majority of Filipinos favor a combination of military action and diplomacy in resolving the dispute, indicating a growing desire for a more assertive stance in protecting Philippine territories.
Regional variations in preferences highlight the importance of considering the perspectives of different regions in formulating strategies and policies. Additionally, socioeconomic class differences underscore the need to address the concerns and aspirations of various segments of society.
As the West Philippine Sea issue continues to evolve, it is crucial for policymakers to take into account the preferences of the Filipino people. By considering the insights and commentary provided by surveys like the Tugon ng Masa survey, policymakers can make informed decisions that reflect the will of the people and effectively address the challenges posed by the West Philippine Sea issue.
Source: The Manila Times
