8 in 10 Filipinos view US positively — Pew Research Center

MANILA, Philippines — Eight in 10 Filipinos have a positive view of the US, according to a recent survey by the Washington-based polling firm Pew Research Center.

The Philippines gave the US a rating of 83 percent, one of the highest ratings in the survey. It was up from 78 percent in 2017.

The poll was conducted between May and August, using interviews with over 900 people in each of the 25 nations surveyed.

The survey also showed 78 percent of Filipinos expressing confidence in US President Donald Trump.

Only 18 percent have “no confidence” in him.

Seventy-seven percent of Filipinos also believe “it would be better for the world to have US as the leading power.”

Only 12 percent of respondents from the Philippines chose China.

The US also obtained high marks in South Korea, where 80 percent have a positive view of the US and confidence in Trump at 44 percent.

Trump has developed a friendly relationship with President Duterte.

The Philippines and the US have agreed to conduct 281 security cooperation activities next year, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

During his first year in office, Duterte veered away from the US by declaring an “independent foreign policy.” Duterte realigned with China in an effort to resolve the maritime issue in the South China Sea through bilateral talks.