The latest poll in the Philippines shows that nearly 90% of Filipinos support the government in cooperating with like-minded countries to jointly protect the rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea (part of the South China Sea), with the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and South Korea emerging as the most supported partners.
This nationwide survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Institute for Strategic and Policy Research and conducted by Pulse Asia from May 3 to 7 of this year, interviewed a total of 1,500 respondents. The survey results were released on Wednesday, coinciding with Philippine Independence Day and on the eve of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration ruling.
The survey indicates that 86% of respondents nationwide agree that the Philippines should collaborate with like-minded countries to safeguard the rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea according to the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration ruling; only 3% expressed opposition, while 11% did not state a position.
By region, Mindanao had the highest support rate at 91%, with 63% stating they "strongly agree"; next was the Greater Manila area, where the support rate was 90%, with 64% saying they "strongly agree."
Another survey asked respondents to select the countries or organizations with which the Philippines should cooperate to protect the West Philippine Sea. Results showed that 84% supported cooperation with the United States, topping the list, followed by Japan (67%), Australia (57%), Canada (51%), and South Korea (44%).
In the Greater Manila area, 86% of respondents support cooperation with the United States, while support in both Luzon and Mindanao was 85%.
Compared with a similar survey conducted last December, support for the United States and Japan has risen by 2 and 3 percentage points, respectively, indicating a continued rise in trust among Filipinos toward the two countries.
However, the survey also shows that 23% of respondents from Mindanao support the Philippines cooperating with China to protect the West Philippine Sea, the highest proportion supporting China nationwide.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the Philippines’ designation for its western maritime territories, including the Luzon Sea, Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), and the waters surrounding the Kalayaan Island Group. China, on the other hand, asserts sovereignty over part of these waters based on the so-called "ten-dash line."
Stratbase Institute President and CEO Victor Andres Manhit stated that the survey results reflect the Filipino public's view that upholding the 2016 South China Sea arbitration outcome and strengthening cooperation with friendly nations are important components in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence.
He said that on the 10th anniversary of the Hague arbitration victory, the Filipino people have a responsibility to defend the hard-won results to ensure that the next generation inherits a free, safe, and internationally respected nation.
The survey indicates that 86% of respondents nationwide agree that the Philippines should collaborate with like-minded countries to safeguard the rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea according to the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration ruling; only 3% expressed opposition, while 11% did not state a position.
By region, Mindanao had the highest support rate at 91%, with 63% stating they "strongly agree"; next was the Greater Manila area, where the support rate was 90%, with 64% saying they "strongly agree."
Another survey asked respondents to select the countries or organizations with which the Philippines should cooperate to protect the West Philippine Sea. Results showed that 84% supported cooperation with the United States, topping the list, followed by Japan (67%), Australia (57%), Canada (51%), and South Korea (44%).
In the Greater Manila area, 86% of respondents support cooperation with the United States, while support in both Luzon and Mindanao was 85%.
Compared with a similar survey conducted last December, support for the United States and Japan has risen by 2 and 3 percentage points, respectively, indicating a continued rise in trust among Filipinos toward the two countries.
However, the survey also shows that 23% of respondents from Mindanao support the Philippines cooperating with China to protect the West Philippine Sea, the highest proportion supporting China nationwide.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the Philippines’ designation for its western maritime territories, including the Luzon Sea, Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), and the waters surrounding the Kalayaan Island Group. China, on the other hand, asserts sovereignty over part of these waters based on the so-called "ten-dash line."
Stratbase Institute President and CEO Victor Andres Manhit stated that the survey results reflect the Filipino public's view that upholding the 2016 South China Sea arbitration outcome and strengthening cooperation with friendly nations are important components in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence.
He said that on the 10th anniversary of the Hague arbitration victory, the Filipino people have a responsibility to defend the hard-won results to ensure that the next generation inherits a free, safe, and internationally respected nation.