Pinoys back alliances to defend West Philippine Sea – poll

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos have expressed support for the Philippine government forging alliances with “like-minded” nations to defend the West Philippine Sea, according to results of a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Stratbase Institute.

The survey found that 86 percent of the respondents support alliances with other countries in line with the 2016 Arbitral Award, while only three percent disagreed with the test statement. Eleven percent of survey respondents were undecided.

Support for such alliances was highest among those in Mindanao (91 percent), followed by those in Metro Manila (90 percent), the Visayas (86 percent) and rest of Luzon (82 percent).

“Filipinos clearly recognize that upholding the 2016 Arbitral Award and strengthening cooperation with like-minded nations are essential components of preserving our independence in the 21st century,” Stratbase Institute president Dindo Manhit said.

“As we mark a decade of our victory at The Hague, we must do our part in defending our hard-won triumph so that future generations inherit a nation that is free, secure and respected in the international community,” he added.

The Philippines secured the historic ruling on July 12, 2016, which invalidated China’s claims in the South China Sea.

Manhit said the survey results show that Filipinos are “sending a clear message” to the government to address ongoing harassment in the region.

“The Philippines must remain firm in defending its rights while working closely with allies and partners that uphold international law and support a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific,” he said.

“The 2016 arbitral award remains a cornerstone of our lawful claims in the West Philippine Sea. The survey results show that Filipinos want the government to continue pursuing a strategy that combines principled diplomacy, credible defense and strong partnerships with like-minded nations,” he added.

After confirming the presence of “movable floating platform” inside Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has filed formal diplomatic protests against Beijing.

“The continued presence of the semi-permanent floating platform, without consent or authorization, is not only a violation of the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Philippines, but is also inconsistent with international law,” DFA spokesman for maritime affairs Rogelio Villanueva Jr. said at a press briefing.

Meanwhile, the Philippines, the United States and Japan have agreed to deepen their maritime cooperation and seek a “trilateral alignment” of foreign assistance, according to the US State Department.

The three countries arrived at the consensus during their Trilateral Maritime Dialogue in Manila on June 8.  –  Pia Lee-Brago, Andrew Ronquillo