OCTA survey: 91% of Pinoys distrust China

The most recent Tugon ng Masa survey taken by OCTA Research found that 91% of adult Filipinos distrusted China. 

While there has been an upward trend in China's distrust rating since February 2022, the latest OCTA poll found only a one-percentage-point increase in China’s distrust rating compared to December 2023.

China’s trust ratings among Philippine regions ranged from 5% to 15%, with the highest rating in Mindanao.

Filipinos in Class ABC also expressed more trust in China at 83% than those in Classes D and E.

Nevertheless, trust among socio-economic classes saw a dip in Class ABC but saw an upward swing in Classes D and E.

“The percentage of China’s distrust ratings decreased by ten percentage points among adult Filipinos in Class ABC, from 93% to 83%. In contrast, China’s distrust ratings increased from 89% to 92% and 92% to 91% among adult Filipinos in Class D and Class E, respectively,” OCTA explained.

Meanwhile, the trust rating of the United States remained steadily high, scoring more than 85% since July 2021.

The survey used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 respondents nationwide from March 11 to March 14.

It had a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level and a ±6% subnational margin of error for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao at a 95% confidence level.

In an earlier study, the majority of adult Filipinos said that China was the biggest threat to the Philippines.

Another survey found that Filipinos believed the government should prioritize expanded naval patrols and troop presence in dealing with issues about the West Philippine Sea, with diplomacy coming in a close second. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/DVM, GMA Integrated News