Most Filipinos want the government to assert the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea through stronger patrols, peaceful diplomacy, and continued military modernization, according to a recent OCTA Research survey.
The March 19 to 25 Tugon ng Masa survey found that 69 percent of adult Filipinos favored expanded naval patrols and troop presence in the West Philippine Sea.
Another 66 percent said the Philippines should use diplomacy and other peaceful methods to assert its rights in the disputed waters, while 64 percent supported the continued modernization and strengthening of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The nationwide survey covered 1,200 adult respondents and had a margin of error of plus-or-minus three percentage points.
Other measures also received support from respondents, including diplomatic engagement with countries within and outside the region to reduce tensions, which was backed by 37 percent.
The survey also showed that 29 percent favored joint maritime patrols and exercises with allied countries, while 23 percent supported joint economic development in disputed areas.
Nine percent of respondents said they did not know what measures the Marcos administration should prioritize in addressing issues related to the West Philippine Sea conflict.
Across geographical areas and socioeconomic classes, OCTA said most Filipinos supported expanded naval patrols and troop presence, peaceful diplomacy, and AFP modernization as priority actions.
Support for expanded patrols and troop presence was highest in the Visayas at 73 percent, followed by Luzon at 72 percent, the National Capital Region at 70 percent, and Mindanao at 58 percent.
Most respondents across major island groups also supported diplomacy and other peaceful methods, with 72 percent in Luzon, 68 percent in NCR, 65 percent in the Visayas, and 53 percent in Mindanao backing the approach.
The survey also found majority support for AFP modernization across geographical areas, with 70 percent in NCR, 69 percent in the Visayas, 63 percent in Luzon, and 58 percent in Mindanao.
By socioeconomic class, support for expanded naval patrols and troop presence was highest among Class D at 72 percent, followed by Class E at 62 percent and Class ABC at 55 percent.
Support for diplomacy and other peaceful means was highest among Class ABC at 72 percent, followed by Class D at 66 percent and Class E at 55 percent.
Meanwhile, support for AFP modernization was strongest among Class ABC at 85 percent, followed by Class E at 64 percent and Class D at 60 percent.