The latest Pulse Asia survey results show that 8 out of 10 Filipinos agree that the current administration must continue asserting the Philippines’ maritime rights and protecting our territory in the West Philippine Sea. The polling firm released the survey results on Wednesday during the biggest West Philippine Sea conference, organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute. The survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Institute, was conducted from June 17 to 24, 2024 and asked 1,200 respondents from all over the country Results showed that 76% of respondents favored the administration’s continuous assertion of our rights in the West Philippine Sea, while 20% were undecided.
Only 3% of Filipinos were against asserting our rights in the West Philippine Sea.
The survey also asked respondents what measures the Philippines should implement in the West Philippine Sea to strengthen its external defense. Respondents were allowed to choose two answers from six options. The majority of Filipinos (51%) favored reinforcing alliance and elevating partnerships by conducting joint patrols and military exercises with allies, friends, and partners. Half of Filipinos (50%) also agreed to support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect our territory and marine resources in our Exclusive Economic Zone.
Consequently, the same survey also asked Filipinos to identify the entities they want the Philippines to continue working with in asserting its rights in the West Philippine Sea. They were given 11 options and were allowed to choose up to three answers. A significant 74% of Filipinos said that they want the Philippines to continue working with the United States while 44% said Japan, 41% Canada, and 36% Australia. Only 5% of Filipinos responded that they want the Philippines to work with China in asserting its rights in the West Philippine Sea.
