82% of Filipinos trust US to help PH protect nat'l interests

At least 82% of Filipinos trust the United States (US) to help the Philippines protect its national interests, according to a Pulse Asia survey released Monday.

The Stratbase Group–commissioned poll, conducted from December 12 to 15, 2025, showed the US far ahead of other countries trusted by Filipinos to help assert Philippine rights and protect national interests.

Japan ranked second with 64%, followed by Canada at 58% and Australia at 51%.

South Korea placed fifth at 37%, slightly ahead of the United Kingdom at 33%.

The 27-member European Union followed at 27%, while Taiwan garnered 12%.

China, which is contesting the Philippines’ legal claims in the West Philippine Sea despite the 2016 Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, ranked ninth with 11%.

India rounded out the list with 4%.

Stratbase Group founder and Chief Executive Officer Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said the findings reflect a public that is fully aware of China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

“The sentiment is very clear. Filipinos know who is violating our rights, and they know who our friends are. What is happening in the West Philippine Sea affects our fishermen, our food supply, and our national dignity,” Manhit said.

He cited the recent incidents that saw Filipino fishermen and Coast Guard and Fisheries personnel clash with China's Coast Guard and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels in waters within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

“China has continued to harass Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea through dangerous blocking maneuvers and the use of water cannons. These actions have put Filipino fishermen and Philippine Coast Guard personnel in danger and have disrupted fishing activities in waters that belong to the Philippines,” he added.

Manhit also cited National Maritime Council records showing a total of 78 reported incidents involving Chinese aggression, including 13 radio challenges, one ramming incident, seven dangerous maneuvers, two water cannon incidents.

It also documented the laying of nets and blocking of Filipino fishermen and law enforcement vessels, 37 shadowing incidents, and the recent declaration of Scarborough Shoal as a nature reserve, as well as threats of live-fire exercises around Bajo de Masinloc.

The Pulse Asia poll surveyed 1,200 respondents nationwide and had a ±2.8 percentage point margin of error. Only 15 respondents did not provide an answer.

Respondents were allowed to select up to five countries or organizations they trust and believe the Marcos administration should work with in asserting Philippine rights and protecting national interests.—MCG, GMA Integrated News