A new Social Weather Stations survey finds that 45% of Filipinos want the government to focus on modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard to protect maritime rights. Reinforcing alliances ranked second at 33%.
The survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Institute and conducted from June 20 to 29 through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points nationally.
Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres Manhit said the results indicate that Filipinos see the need for credible capabilities alongside cooperation with allies.
"The Filipino people understand that defending our maritime rights requires more than legal victories. It requires credible capabilities, resilient institutions, and sustained investment in the Armed Forces and the Philippine Coast Guard," Manhit said.
Support for modernization was highest in Luzon at 47%, followed by the National Capital Region at 46%. When asked for a second choice, 39% nationwide selected reinforcing alliances.
