80 percent of Filipinos back alliances defending Philippine territory – survey

MANILA, Philippines — A majority of Filipinos support the establishment of more alliances and the strengthening of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to protect the country’s territory in the West Philippine Sea, a commissioned survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed.

Some 80 percent of the respondents agreed with the statement, “Alliances should be formed and relationships strengthened with other countries that have similar beliefs to the Philippines to defend the territorial and economic rights of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea and protect international order.”

Only three percent disagreed, while 17 percent said they cannot agree or disagree with the statement.

The results of the June 19 to 23 survey, commissioned by international think tank Stratbase ADR Institute, were released on July 12 in time for the seventh anniversary of the arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s claim in the disputed territory.

The respondents were also asked to identify measures that the Marcos administration should prioritize to effectively address issues in the West Philippine Sea.

Some 72 percent said the government should strengthen the military capability of the Philippines, especially the Navy, Coast Guard and the Air Force.

Another 64 percent said the government should conduct joint maritime patrols and military exercises with allied countries, while 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.

Fifty-four percent of the respondents said the government should fully implement the Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States, while 37 percent supported the finalization of the Code of Conduct that would set the rules on how countries would act in the South China Sea.

The total exceeded 100 percent because the respondents were allowed to choose up to three measures.

In his speech during the forum, Stratbase president Dindo Manhit stressed the importance of building and strengthening the country’s alliances with like-minded countries in defending the West Philippine Sea.