House leaders welcome OCTA survey showing Filipinos reject China

By Jose Cielito Reganit, Philippine News Agency

The Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement holds a lightning rally outside the Chinese Embassy in Makati City on Monday (Aug. 25, 2025), expressing their support to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – House leaders on Tuesday said the latest OCTA Research survey showing that Filipinos overwhelmingly distrust China is a resounding call for unity and action to protect Philippine sovereignty.

In separate statements, Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V of La Union and Jay Khonghun of Zambales, along with House Deputy Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, said China is the greatest threat to the Philippines, and demand a strong defense of the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“Napakalinaw ng mensahe: Hindi pinagkakatiwalaan ng mga Pilipino ang China at nais nilang ipaglaban ng kanilang mga lider ang WPS. Ito ay mandato mula sa taumbayan, at dapat natin itong tugunan ng may tapang, paninindigan at pagkakaisa (The message is clear, Filipinos don’t trust China and they want their leaders to defend the WPS. This is a mandate from the people, and we need to respond with courage, resolve and unity),” Ortega said.

“History will judge us not by our words but by how we defended what is rightfully ours. We owe it to our heroes, our fishermen and our children to stand firm.”

Khonghun, whose province lies at the frontline of Chinese incursions, said the survey reflects the frustration of coastal communities.

“Matagal nang inaapi ang ating mga mangingisda sa sariling karagatan. Ngayon, buong bansa na ang nakikibahagi sa kanilang galit. Hindi na ito usaping lokal kundi pambansang laban para sa dangal at kaligtasan (Our fishers are being bullied in our own seas. Now, the whole nation is expressing its anger. This is not a local issue anymore, but a nationwide fight for honor and safety),” he said.

Adiong said the issue unites all Filipinos, saying that “whether Muslim or Christian, from Mindanao or Luzon, every Filipino stands behind the defense of our seas.”

“The WPS is not negotiable, and we will never allow our sovereignty to be sold or surrendered,” he said. “This survey is proof that our people are united. That unity is our greatest strength, and it should guide every decision we make as leaders of this nation.”

The lawmakers vowed that Congress will translate public sentiment into concrete action, from strengthening maritime defense to supporting alliances that safeguard Philippine sovereignty.

According to OCTA’s recent Tugon ng Masa survey, 85 percent of Filipinos distrust China, 74 percent identify it as the greatest threat, and 76 percent strongly support asserting the Philippines’ maritime entitlements.

Respondents cited Beijing’s aggressive acts in the WPS, the influx of smuggled goods and crimes involving Chinese nationals as main reasons for distrust.

OCTA Research conducted the non-commissioned survey from July 12 to 17, 2025, with 1,200 respondents nationwide and a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.