8 of 10 Filipinos want PH to work with US amid WPS tension —Pulse Asia poll

Eight out of 10 Filipinos said the Marcos administration should work with the United States amid the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a privately commissioned Pulse Asia survey.

International think tank Stratbase Institute, which commissioned the survey, released the results during its forum on Tuesday.

“Seventy-nine percent of Filipinos said they want the Marcos Jr. administration to work with the United States, while almost half of Filipinos answered Australia (43%) and Japan (42%),” Stratbase said in a statement.

Only one out of 10 Filipinos or 10% wants to work with China.   

The survey also shows that 56% of Filipinos said the Philippines should reinforce its alliances and partnerships with like-minded countries through joint patrols and military exercises.

Around 52% said the Philippines should strengthen its military presence in the WPS by repairing the BRP Sierra Madre, conducting regular resupply missions, and ensuring control of Ayungin Shoal.

The BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded at the Ayungin Shoal for over two decades. The ship manned by more than a dozen Marines and sailors has become a symbol of Philippine sovereignty in the offshore territory.

Ayungin is located 105.77 nautical miles from the nearest Philippine province of Palawan and constitutes part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The Pulse Asia survey also shows that 52% of Filipinos want to enhance the inter-agency cooperation among agencies involved in maritime security amid the tension in WPS.

Meanwhile, around 55% of Filipinos expressed confidence that the Marcos administration can protect the WPS against the illegal and aggressive actions of other countries.

Prof. Dindo Manhit, Stratbase president, said the results show that the Marcos administration needs to deepen its alliance and partnerships with like-minded states like the US, Australia, and Japan.

"These countries have continued to voice their support for the Philippine position and have condemned Chinese actions against Filipino vessels. Their resounding statements of support boost the confidence of the Philippines in the international community," he said.

"In the face of asymmetric security challenges, the Philippines must leverage its relations with states with shared values and with the same commitment to defend the rules-based international order," he added.

With regards to the 90% of Filipinos opposing working with China, Manhit said this is “natural” considering Beijing’s continued aggressive and coercive acts against the Philippines in the WPS.

The survey was conducted from December 3 to 7, 2023 involving 1,200 respondents from all over the country.

The respondents were asked about their view on the countries or organizations that they want the Philippines to work with considering the implications of the tensions in the WPS on the country’s security and economy. 

The respondents were allowed to choose up to three answers. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News