Most Pinoys to shun pro-China bets in 2025 polls: survey

FILE: Passengers queue up for bus and jeepney rides along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Monday (Jan. 23, 2023). Commuters are constantly reminded to board or get off public utility vehicles only at designated loading and unloading bays. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

By Priam Nepomuceno, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Seven out of 10 Filipinos will not support political candidates with known leanings to China in the 2025 midterm elections, think-tank Stratbase ADR Institute said on Monday.

This is based on the results of a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the think-tank, which polled 1,300 respondents from Sept. 6 to 13 and had a ± 3 percent margin of error.

It asked whether or not Filipinos would “support a candidate in the May 2025 national elections who is pro-China at present or in the past”.

Results show that a significant 73 percent of Filipinos said they “will not support” pro-China candidates in May 2025.

Only 5 percent of Filipinos said they “will support” pro-China candidates, while 23 percent “ cannot say “whether or not they will support pro-China candidates”.

Stratbase ADR Institute president Dindo Manhit said this sentiment among Filipinos reflects a profound mistrust toward candidates who align themselves with Beijing.

This as many Filipinos feel that Chinese aggressive actions, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, directly challenge Philippine sovereignty and undermine the nation’s interests.

Manhit said this prevailing view was driven by both patriotic sentiment and a desire for leaders who would prioritize the Philippines’ long-term security and prosperity.

“Electing pro-China candidates poses significant risks, as it will lead to policies that compromise our territorial integrity, (and) economic interests. Such candidates will become direct conduits for Chinese influence, which can jeopardize our national security and further empower a state that has repeatedly disregarded our sovereign rights and the international rules-based order. This is not just a political choice but a decision that can jeopardize our future and our nation’s standing in the global arena,” he added.

The same Pulse Asia survey also shows that only 1 percent of Filipinos believe that China is a trusted partner of the Philippines in terms of national development.

The United States topped the survey on the most trusted partners of the Philippines in national development with 79 percent, followed by Japan with 50 percent.

“Filipinos are right to question China’s role as a reliable development partner. Beyond the West Philippine Sea disputes, raging issues like the corrosive impact of POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and incidents involving alleged Chinese espionage, such as the case of Alice Guo, have further fueled distrust,” Manhit explained.

“Our people need trustworthy partners who respect our laws and our sovereignty. China’s actions have repeatedly contradicted these fundamental principles, casting doubt on their sincerity in supporting our national development goals,” he said.

Moreover, only 7 percent of Filipinos believe that China is a beneficial economic partner for the Philippines.

The United States once again ranked first, with 66 percent of Filipinos believing it is the most beneficial economic partner of the country.

This was followed by Japan with 43 percent, Australia with 32 percent, and Canada with 31 percent.

“The Philippines remains committed to strengthening its partnerships with like-minded nations such as the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, Great Britain, the Republic of Korea, and India. These countries have proven to be dependable allies, not only in ensuring regional stability but also in fostering economic growth,” Manhit said.

He added that Manila’s collaboration with nations that share democratic values would help build a more resilient and prosperous nation under a rules-based world order.