More Pinoys support Marcos policies on West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines —  With rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea following aggressive and dangerous maneuvers by the Chinese coast guard and militia vessels, more Filipinos now say that they support the Philippine government’s policies and programs related to the WPS.

A recent survey conducted by the OCTA Research group showed that 58 percent of the respondents either strongly or somewhat agree with the Marcos administration’s response and policies toward the West Philippine Sea.

The results of the survey, conducted from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, were 15 points higher than the 43 percent obtained in a similar survey made in July.

Meanwhile, those who said they were dissatisfied with the government’s policies in the West Philippine decreased from 14 to 11 percent.

Those who are unsure if they agree or disagree with the government policy on the issue dropped from 43 to 30 percent.

Across areas, support for the government policy toward the West Philippine Sea was highest among those in Metro Manila with 66 percent from 46 percent.

It was followed by those in the rest of Luzon with 59 from 39 percent, and the Visayas and Mindanao with 54 percent from 32 and 60 percent, respectively.

It was also highest among those in class D with 60 from 40 percent, followed by those in class E with 54 from 60 percent and ABC with 50 from 44 percent.

Dual approach

Like in the previous surveys, the poll also asked respondents what measures the government should prioritize to address issues in the West Philippine Sea.

According to OCTA Research, the results indicate that Filipinos want a dual approach of diplomacy and military action to assert the country’s territorial rights in the region.

Some 70 percent cited diplomacy and other peaceful methods, followed by military action with 65 percent and strengthening the Philippine military’s capability to protect the country’s territories with 62 percent.

Military action was defined as expanding naval patrols and troop presence in the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año yesterday thanked Filipinos for supporting government actions in resolving the issue cpncerning the West Philippine Sea.

Año gave assurance that the national interest would be pursued with “greater resolve” in 2024.

“The survey results show that the country’s foreign and security policies – including strengthening our ties with partners, allies and friends – are on the right track and we will pursue our national interest with greater resolve in the coming year,” Año said. –  Michael Punongbayan