Most Pinoys believe gov’t efforts on WPS issues enough

FILE: JOINT SAIL. The Philippine Navy missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna and the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Ottawa conduct a bilateral sail activity in an undisclosed location in the West Philippine Sea on Thursday (Sept. 21, 2023). The Armed Forces of the Philippines said Friday (Sept. 22) that the joint sail activity signifies a shared commitment in promoting a rules-based international order in the WPS. (Photo courtesy of AFP Western Command via PNA)

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Majority of Filipinos believe that the Philippine government’s actions on some issues in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) are sufficient, the Stratbase ADR Institute said on Thursday.

This was based on the results of the Social Weather Station survey commissioned by the think tank, which showed 60 percent of Filipinos believe that the government’s efforts such as joint patrols and military exercises with allies, friends, and partners are enough.

The polling firm conducted the survey on June 23 to July 1, 2024 with 1,500 respondents nationwide.

The survey also showed that 72 percent of the respondents agreed that the Philippine government should form an alliance with other countries in defending the Philippines’ territorial and economic rights in the WPS.

The Philippines has launched several joint patrols in the WPS with the United States, Australia, Japan, and France since late last year in wake of China’s repetitive aggressive and coercive actions in the WPS.

Results of the survey also show that most Filipinos believe the government is doing sufficient actions in protecting Filipino fishermen in the WPS (57 percent) and in strengthening the military capability of the Philippines, especially the Navy (56 percent).

Most Filipinos believe that the government is doing enough in protecting the marine resources in the WPS (55 percent), in referring the issue to international organizations like the United Nations or Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for a diplomatic and peaceful negotiation with China about the disputed territories (54 percent), and in gathering evidence of China’s actions in the WPS and publishing them (54 percent).

Meanwhile, 49 percent of Filipinos believe that the government’s actions in demanding that China leave the artificial islands it illegally built and then occupied in the WPS are not enough.

Geopolitical expert Stratbase ADR Institute president Dindo Manhit said there is a need to launch more joint patrols with like-minded nations in light of China’s increasing aggression in Philippine waters.

He said results of the latest Pulse Asia survey also show that 51 percent of Filipinos believe there is a need to reinforce alliance and elevate partnerships by conducting joint patrols and military exercises with allies, friends, and partners.

“We call on our friends, allies, and partners, who also value the rule of law to join us in our fight, and the Philippine government to reinforce cooperation and elevate partnerships by conducting more joint patrols and military exercises in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.