MANILA, Philippines: A recent Pulse Asia survey revealed that eight out of 10 Filipinos believe that the Marcos administration should work with the United States to address the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Institute, was conducted from December 3 to 7, 2023, and involved 1,200 respondents nationwide.
During a forum organized by the Stratbase Institute titled “Fortifying Cyber Cooperation Towards Digital Security,” the survey results were released. The international think tank highlighted that 79 percent of Filipinos expressed their desire for the Marcos government to collaborate with the US. Additionally, almost half of the respondents mentioned Australia (43 percent) and Japan (42 percent) as potential partners.
One of the key findings of the survey was that 52 percent of the respondents favored establishing a stronger military presence in the WPS. This includes repairing the beached and rusting BRP Sierra Madre and conducting regular resupply missions. Furthermore, the respondents emphasized the importance of maintaining control of the Ayungin Shoal in the WPS.
Stratbase President Professor Dindo Manhit emphasized that only 10 percent of Filipinos expressed a preference for working with China. He highlighted the need for the Marcos administration to strengthen its alliances and partnerships with like-minded states such as the US, Australia, and Japan. These countries have consistently voiced their support for the Philippines and condemned Chinese actions against Filipino vessels.
Manhit stated, “As evidenced by the survey results, 90 percent of Filipinos are not in favor of working with China. This is only natural, as the Philippines continue to encounter aggressive and coercive acts in the West Philippine Sea.” He also mentioned that the Philippines is “also exiting” from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, in addition to diplomatic protests.
The survey also revealed that 55 percent of Filipinos believe in the Marcos administration’s ability to fulfill its promise of protecting the WPS against illegal and aggressive actions by other states. Furthermore, 67 percent of Filipinos expressed the need to strengthen 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.
In order to reinforce Philippine alliances and partnerships, 55 percent of Filipinos believe in the importance of conducting joint patrols and military exercises with like-minded countries. Additionally, 52 percent of respondents highlighted the need for improved inter-agency cooperation among agencies involved in maritime security.
The survey results clearly indicate that the majority of Filipinos support collaboration with the United States and other like-minded countries in addressing the West Philippine Sea issue. Their preference for working with countries that have consistently shown support for the Philippines demonstrates the importance of building strong alliances to ensure the country’s security and economic interests in the region.
It is crucial for the Marcos administration to take into account the sentiments of the Filipino people and actively pursue partnerships that align with their preferences. By doing so, the Philippines can strengthen its position in the international community and effectively address the challenges in the West Philippine Sea.
Source: The Manila Times
