MANILA, Philippines – Ninety-three percent of Filipinos believe that it is important that the government regain control over China-occupied islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), based on a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.
In the survey, 1,200 Filipino adults were asked: In your opinion, is it important that the control of the islands that China currently occupies in the West Philippine Sea be given back to the Philippines?”
Seventy-four percent of the respondents answered “very important” while 19 percent said it is “somewhat important.”
Meanwhile, one percent answered “not at all important” and four percent were undecided on the issue.
Government action
The survey also asked about whether specific government moves and initiatives are “right” or “wrong” in resolving conflict between the Philippines and China about the WPS.
Four specific activities, presented in random order, were tested.
The survey showed that 89 percent said it is “not right” for the government “to leave China alone with its infrastructure and military presence in the claimed territories.”
Meanwhile, 92 percent answered it is “right” for the government to “strengthen the military capability of the Philippines, especially the Navy.”
Eighty-three percent of the respondents also said it is “right” for the government “to bring the issue to international organizations, like the United Nations or Association of Southeast Asian Nations, for a diplomatic and peaceful negotiation with China about the claimed territories.”
Lastly, 84 percent said it is “right” for the government to “form alliances with other countries that are ready to help us in defending our security in the West Philippine Sea.”
The survey used face-to-face interviews with 1,200 Filipino adults nationwide and has a sampling error margin ±3 percent for national percentages. /gsg