66 percent support President Marco’s assertive response to West Philippine Sea row – OCTA

MANILA, Philippines — A majority of Filipinos support the Marcos administration’s “assertive” response to the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea, a recent OCTA Research survey showed.

The April 20 to 24 survey, released yesterday in time for the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, found that 66 percent of the respondents support the national government’s response to the issues in the country’s waters.

Thirteen percent disagreed, while 19 percent were undecided.

Across areas, support was highest among respondents in Metro Manila at 70 percent, followed by those in the rest of Luzon at 68 percent, the Visayas at 65 percent and Mindanao at 62 percent.

Support was slightly higher among those in socioeconomic class ABC and D at 68 percent and 67 percent, respectively, than those in class E at 63 percent.

“The 66 percent approval figure is best read not as an isolated data point but as confirmation of an already established pattern: Filipino public opinion has consistently and convergently favored a firmer, more assertive government posture in the West Philippine Sea,” OCTA said in its analysis of the findings.

It noted results of its other surveys, including the respondents’ preference for expanded naval patrols and troop presence, diplomacy and modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“The three leading measures show Filipinos are not choosing between assertiveness and diplomacy but endorsing both as complementary components of a single strategy,” OCTA said.

“The 66 percent approval figure is the product of this consensus. Government communications that continue to present presence, legal standing and alliance-building as one integrated approach – rather than foregrounding any single track – are well-positioned to sustain and build on current approval levels,” it added.