SWS: Most Filipinos back bets with pro-PH stance in maritime row
Majority of Filipinos will vote for candidates in the 2025 elections who favor asserting the country’s rights against China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group.
The survey, conducted from Feb. 15 to Feb. 19—shortly after the official start of the national campaign period—found that 78 percent of Filipinos support candidates who believe the Philippines must assert its rights in the West Philippine Sea, while only 22 percent back those who oppose this position.
Support for asserting the country’s rights against China was highest in Metro Manila at 87 percent, followed by Luzon outside Metro Manila at 83 percent, the Visayas at 76 percent, and Mindanao at 67 percent.
In the same survey, 77 percent of respondents agree that the government should strengthen alliances with other countries “through joint patrols, joint sails and joint military exercises” to defend the country’s territorial and economic rights in the WPS. Net figures (percentage agree minus percentage disagree, correctly rounded) for this measure stood at +68.
Meanwhile, nine percent of respondents opposed strengthening international alliances, while 14 percent remained undecided.
Metro Manila respondents again showed the highest level of support at 84 percent, followed by Luzon outside Metro Manila at 82 percent, the Visayas at 77 percent, and Mindanao at 64 percent.
Commissioned poll
Stratbase Group president Dindo Manhit presented the survey results on Friday during a forum on the Philippines-Japan-United States trilateral partnership, organized by the Stratbase Institute in collaboration with the Japan Foundation Manila.
“Filipinos recognize that a firm and united approach-through diplomacy, military readiness and strategic partnerships is essential in safeguarding our territorial integrity. These numbers send a clear message: the nation stands resolute in defending what is rightfully ours,” Manhit said.
“The increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and East China Sea remind us that sovereignty and territorial integrity directly impact the security, economy and livelihood of our people,” he said.
The survey used in-person interviews of 1,800 registered voters. It had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 2.31 percent for national percentages, plus-or-minus 3.27 percent in Luzon outside Metro Manila, and plus-or-minus 5.66 percent each for Metro Manila, the Visayas and Mindanao.
