According to a recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia, eight out of ten Filipinos believe that the Marcos Jr. administration should work with the United States in light of the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Institute, revealed that 79 percent of Filipinos expressed their desire for the government to collaborate with the US. Additionally, almost half of the respondents suggested partnering with Australia (43 percent) and Japan (42 percent) as well.
The survey, which took place from December 3 to 7, 2023, involved 1,200 respondents from across the country. The results indicate that a majority of Filipinos (52 percent) also support the idea of establishing a stronger military presence in the WPS. This includes repairing the beached and deteriorating BRP Sierra Madre, conducting regular resupply missions, and ensuring control of the Ayungin Shoal.
Stratbase President Professor Dindo Manhit emphasized the importance of strengthening alliances and partnerships with like-minded states such as the US, Australia, and Japan. He highlighted their continued support for the Philippines’ position and their condemnation of Chinese actions against Filipino vessels. The resounding statements of support from these countries boost the confidence of the Philippines in the international community.
The survey results clearly indicate that the majority of Filipinos (90 percent) are not in favor of working with China. This sentiment is understandable considering the aggressive and coercive acts that the Philippines continues to encounter in the West Philippine Sea. In response to these actions, the Philippines is also distancing itself from China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
In addition to the survey conducted by Pulse Asia, a separate survey conducted by OCTA Research showed that six out of ten Filipinos agreed with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s response to address the territorial disputes between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea. The survey, called the Tugon ng Masa Survey, revealed that 61 percent of those polled agreed with the government’s handling of the dispute, which is a 3 percentage point increase from the previous quarter.
The survey also shed light on the belief among Filipinos that there is a need to bolster the external defense capability of the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Coast Guard through the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program. Additionally, 55 percent of respondents expressed the need to reinforce Philippine alliances and partnerships with like-minded countries through joint patrols, military exercises, and improved interagency cooperation in maritime security.
These survey results highlight the importance of international cooperation and the strengthening of defense capabilities to protect the West Philippine Sea from illegal and aggressive actions by other states. The majority of Filipinos are in favor of working with the United States and other like-minded countries to safeguard their territorial interests and ensure peace and stability in the region.
As tensions in the West Philippine Sea persist, it is crucial for the Marcos Jr. administration to heed the sentiments of the Filipino people and take proactive measures to fortify alliances, enhance defense capabilities, and protect the country’s sovereignty. By doing so, the Philippines can effectively address the challenges posed by territorial disputes and maintain its position in the international community.
Source: The Manila Times
