In a recent survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS), a significant majority of Filipinos expressed confidence that the government is adequately addressing several critical issues in the West Philippine Sea. These issues include the protection of fishermen, conservation of marine resources, and the execution of joint military patrols with allied nations.
The survey, commissioned by the Stratbase ADR Institute, was conducted from June 23 to July 1 and included 1,500 respondents. Its release came just days before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s third State of the Nation Address.
According to the poll, 60 percent of Filipinos believe that the government’s efforts in conducting joint patrols and military exercises with allies are sufficient. Additionally, 72 percent of respondents support forming alliances with other countries to defend the Philippines’ rights in the contested waters.
Stratbase noted that since late last year, the Philippines has engaged in joint patrols with countries such as the United States, Australia, Japan, and France in response to China’s aggressive actions in the region.
The West Philippine Sea, part of the larger South China Sea, is a hotly contested area with Beijing asserting extensive territorial claims. In 2016, an international court sided with the Philippines, ruling China’s claims invalid. Despite this, China continues to disregard the ruling.
In an effort to manage tensions, the Philippines and China recently agreed to enhance communication channels to address maritime disputes. This agreement, reached at a bilateral consultative meeting on July 2, aims to improve the Philippines-China Maritime Communications Mechanism, as reported by AFP citing a diplomatic source.