80% of Filipinos want ‘strengthened alliances’ to protect West PH Sea — survey

MANILA, Philippines — A Pulse Asia survey commissioned by international think tank Stratbase ADR Institute showed that at least 80 percent of Filipinos want the Philippines to form alliances and strengthen its relationships to further protect its rights to the West Philippine Sea.

The polling firm, on Wednesday, said the survey was conducted from June 19 to June 23, covering 1,200 Filipinos nationwide.

Pulse Asia said the respondents were asked if alliances should be formed and relationships be strengthened with other countries with similar beliefs to further protect the territorial and economic rights of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea.

“Eighty percent said that they agree, while 17 percent said that they are undecided,” said Pulse Asia.

The release of this poll was in time for the 7th anniversary of the historic 2016 arbitral ruling.

On July 12, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PAC) ruled in favor of the Philippines, declaring that the country has exclusive sovereign rights to the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, when the respondents were asked which measures should the Marcos administration prioritize to effectively address issues related to the West Philippine Sea, at least 72 percent of the respondents answered: Strengthen the military capability of the Philippines.

“Sixty-four percent said that the government should conduct joint maritime patrols and military exercises with allied countries, and 61 percent said the government should shift the focus of Philippine defense institutions and allocate more resources to strengthen the ability to defend the country from external threats,” the firm added.

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