Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro stated that as the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award approaches, an increasing number of Filipinos have reached a consensus on safeguarding the rights over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Nationwide, 86% of the public support cooperating with like-minded countries to jointly defend the Philippines’ maritime rights.
In an interview Tuesday evening, Teodoro said that although China has consistently belittled the arbitration ruling and even referred to it as “a piece of waste paper,” the award has effectively united Philippine society around the defense of national interests.
He noted that this consensus is not only expanding but also penetrating deeper into all sectors of society.
Teodoro cited a nationwide poll conducted by Pulse Asia commissioned by the Stratbase Institute.
The survey was conducted from May 3 to 7 of this year, interviewing 1,500 respondents. They were asked whether they supported the Philippines, based on the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, in cooperating with like-minded countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and South Korea to jointly uphold West Philippine Sea rights.
The results showed that 86% of respondents nationwide expressed support, with the highest levels in Mindanao at 91%, followed by the National Capital Region at 90%.
Only 3% of respondents expressed opposition, while 11% had no opinion.
Teodoro expressed hope that this consensus on maintaining maritime rights would extend in the future to all Philippine waters, including the country's extended continental shelf and other legitimate maritime entitlements.
He stated that this is not just rhetoric, but an important direction that the Philippines must insist on.
He also pointed out that the 2016 arbitration ruling not only consolidated domestic consensus in the Philippines but also prompted a number of like-minded countries to invest more resources and time, strengthening cooperation in various fields.
“From 2016 to 2026, we are moving towards a common goal, united in refuting erroneous narratives, and continuing our efforts to uphold a maritime order based on international law.”
The West Philippine Sea is the official term used by the Philippines for part of the South China Sea, covering the country’s western exclusive economic zone, including the Luzon Sea, waters around Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), and the Kalayaan Island Group, among other maritime areas.
He noted that this consensus is not only expanding but also penetrating deeper into all sectors of society.
Teodoro cited a nationwide poll conducted by Pulse Asia commissioned by the Stratbase Institute.
The survey was conducted from May 3 to 7 of this year, interviewing 1,500 respondents. They were asked whether they supported the Philippines, based on the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, in cooperating with like-minded countries such as the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and South Korea to jointly uphold West Philippine Sea rights.
The results showed that 86% of respondents nationwide expressed support, with the highest levels in Mindanao at 91%, followed by the National Capital Region at 90%.
Only 3% of respondents expressed opposition, while 11% had no opinion.
Teodoro expressed hope that this consensus on maintaining maritime rights would extend in the future to all Philippine waters, including the country's extended continental shelf and other legitimate maritime entitlements.
He stated that this is not just rhetoric, but an important direction that the Philippines must insist on.
He also pointed out that the 2016 arbitration ruling not only consolidated domestic consensus in the Philippines but also prompted a number of like-minded countries to invest more resources and time, strengthening cooperation in various fields.
“From 2016 to 2026, we are moving towards a common goal, united in refuting erroneous narratives, and continuing our efforts to uphold a maritime order based on international law.”
The West Philippine Sea is the official term used by the Philippines for part of the South China Sea, covering the country’s western exclusive economic zone, including the Luzon Sea, waters around Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), and the Kalayaan Island Group, among other maritime areas.