73% of Filipinos back Marcos admin's WPS stance

According to a Pulse Asia survey released on Saturday, July 12, 73% of Filipinos support the Marcos administration's continued assertion of the country's sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea amid heightened tensions with China.

Stratbase ADR Institute president Professor Victor Andres 'Dindo' Manhit presented these findings during a forum commemorating the anniversary of the Philippines' arbitral win against China.

The survey showed that respondents from Metro Manila were most supportive, with 83% agreeing on continued government efforts in the WPS, followed closely by Luzon at 82%, while the Visayas and Mindanao had 60% and 59% support respectively.

When asked about measures to defend the country's rights in its seas, 65% of respondents emphasized the need for modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Another 51% supported reinforcing alliances through joint patrols and military exercises with allies, while only 12% preferred diplomatic engagement and filing protests against China.