Nearly nine in 10 Filipinos support working with allied nations to defend the West Philippine Sea, according to a Pulse Asia survey released ahead of Independence Day and the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea.
The survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Institute and conducted from May 3 to 7 among 1,500 respondents nationwide, found that 86 percent agree that the Philippines should defend the West Philippine Sea with like-minded countries in accordance with the arbitral award. Only 3 percent disagreed, while 11 percent were undecided.
The findings were released days before the Philippines marks its 128th Independence Day on June 12 and a month before the ruling’s 10th anniversary.
Stratbase Institute president and CEO Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said the occasion should serve as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s responsibility to uphold its sovereignty.
“Filipinos clearly recognize that upholding the 2016 arbitral award and strengthening cooperation with like-minded nations are essential components of preserving our independence in the 21st century,” Manhit said.
Support for alliance-based cooperation was strongest in Mindanao at 91 percent, followed by the National Capital Region at 90 percent.
In a separate question, respondents were asked to identify countries or organizations that the Philippines should work with in defending the West Philippine Sea. The United States topped the list with 84 percent support, followed by Japan (67 percent), Australia (57 percent), Canada (51 percent), and South Korea (44 percent).
Manhit said Filipinos were “sending a clear message” to the government amid continued tensions in the disputed waters.
“The Philippines must remain firm in defending its rights while working closely with allies and partners that uphold international law and support a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific,” he said.
“The 2016 arbitral award remains a cornerstone of our lawful claims in the West Philippine Sea,” Manhit added.
