86% of Filipinos support ties with nations to defend WPS

The Manila Times

86% of Filipinos support ties with nations to defend WPS

A LARGE majority of Filipinos support strengthening alliances with like-minded countries to defend the Philippines’ sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Stratbase Institute showed. Eighty-six percent of respondents agreed that the Philippines should work with partner nations in defending its maritime rights in line with the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. Only 3 percent disagreed, while 11 percent were undecided. The survey was conducted from May 3 to 7 among 1,500 respondents nationwide. It was released ahead of the 128th Philippine Independence Day and a month before the 10th anniversary of the arbitral award. Regional results showed the highest support in Mindanao at 91 percent, followed by the National Capital Region at 90 percent. Respondents were also asked to identify countries the Philippines should work with in defending the WPS. The United States topped the list at 84 percent, followed by Japan at 67 percent, Australia at 57 percent, Canada at 51 percent and South Korea at 44 percent. Support for cooperation with the US was highest in Metro Manila at 86 percent, with similar levels recorded in Balance Luzon and Mindanao at 85 percent. The survey also noted a higher preference for the US and Japan compared with a similar poll conducted in December 2025. Support for working with China was highest in Mindanao at 23 percent. Stratbase Institute said the results reflect continued public backing for strengthening partnerships and upholding the 2016 arbitral ruling as the Philippines marks key milestones in its modern maritime dispute with China.

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