A recent OCTA Research survey revealed that 84% of Filipinos support the government’s efforts to address the ongoing maritime dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea.
The Tugon ng Masa survey showed the highest support in the National Capital Region at 90%, followed by the Visayas at 87%, Mindanao at 83%, and Balance Luzon at 81%. Regions such as MIMAROPA (100%), Bicol (99%), and Negros Island (98%) recorded the strongest backing, while the lowest support was observed in the Cordillera Administrative Region at 66%.
Support for government action was consistent across socioeconomic classes, with Class D at 84%, Class E at 83%, and Class ABC at 77%.
The survey, conducted from November 10 to 16, 2024, also highlighted that 91% of Filipinos are aware of the maritime dispute, with the highest awareness reported in the Visayas (96%) and the lowest in Mindanao (87%). Awareness was higher among rural residents (93%) than urban dwellers (90%), and those with college or postgraduate education (95%) were the most informed about the issue.
The non-commissioned survey included 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above, with a margin of error of ±3% at a 95% confidence level. Subnational estimates for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao had a ±6% margin of error.
