MANILA — In an insightful Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Stratbase Institute, eight out of ten Filipinos expressed a strong desire for the Marcos Jr. administration to collaborate with the United States amid the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The survey, conducted from December 3 to 7, 2023, encompassing 1,200 respondents nationwide, presented compelling insights into the public’s sentiments.
Released during the forum “Fortifying Cyber Cooperation Towards Digital Security,” organized by the Stratbase Institute, the survey disclosed that 79 percent of Filipinos advocate for the government to work closely with the US. Additionally, almost half of the respondents believe that forging partnerships with Australia (43 percent) and Japan (42 percent) would be beneficial.
A noteworthy 52 percent of participants expressed the need for the government to strengthen its military presence in the WPS. This includes initiatives such as the repair of the beached and rusting BRP Sierra Madre, regular resupply missions, and ensuring control of the Ayungin Shoal.
The survey results underline a distinct preference for collaboration with like-minded states such as the US, Australia, and Japan. Professor Dindo Manhit, President of Stratbase, emphasized the significance of these alliances, noting that these countries consistently voice their support for the Philippines and condemn Chinese actions in the WPS.
Manhit emphasized, “As evidenced by the survey results, 90 percent of Filipinos are not in favor of working with China. This is only natural, as the Philippines continues to encounter aggressive and coercive acts in the West Philippine Sea.”
In addition to diplomatic protests, the Philippines is taking decisive steps, including an exit from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as revealed by Manhit.
(By el Amigo/MNM)
