MANILA — Filipinos are advocating for a resolution to the sea disputes through a combination of military action and diplomatic initiatives, according to a survey conducted by OCTA Research.
In the Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from March 11-14, 2024, 73 percent of respondents expressed their desire for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration to enhance naval patrols and troop presence in the West Philippine Sea.
Simultaneously, 72 percent preferred diplomatic channels to settle disputes, and 68 percent called for the modernization of the military to safeguard national territories.
The survey also revealed that 43 percent of respondents supported joint military patrols with allied nations, while 32 percent advocated for the expansion of diplomatic efforts both regionally and globally. Joint development initiatives garnered 12 percent of support.
In terms of regional preferences, 85 percent of respondents in the National Capital Region favored military action, while 77 percent in the Visayas region leaned towards enhancing military capabilities.
Class ABC respondents predominantly supported diplomatic means (78 percent), while Class D and E respondents were divided between military action and diplomacy.
Conducted with 1,200 respondents, the survey carries a margin of error of plus or minus three percent.
(el Amigo/MNM)