Most Filipinos want the Marcos administration to collaborate with the United States and other allies to defend rights in the West Philippine Sea, according to a Pulse Asia survey.
The Pulse Asia survey, conducted from December 12 to 15 and commissioned by the Stratbase Group, asked respondents which countries or organizations the Philippine government should partner with to assert rights and protect national interests in the Philippine seas, allowing up to five selections.
The United States led with 82 percent support, followed by Japan at 64 percent, Canada at 58 percent, and Australia at 51 percent. South Korea received 37 percent, the United Kingdom 33 percent, and the European Union 27 percent. At the bottom were Taiwan with 12 percent, China with 11 percent, and India with 4 percent.
"The sentiment is very clear," said Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase. "Filipinos know who is violating our rights, and they know who our friends are. What is happening in the West Philippine Sea affects our fishermen, our food supply and our national dignity."
He emphasized that the Philippine government must stand firm and collaborate closely with nations committed to peace and a rules-based order. "China’s actions reflect a clear pattern of behavior that puts their expansionist interests above our rights and regional stability. We must not normalize or tolerate these repeated violations."
The survey involved 1,200 respondents and carried a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percent.
