A large majority of Filipinos favor strengthening partnerships with allied nations to help defend the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by Stratbase Group.
The survey, conducted from May 3 to 7, showed that 86 percent of respondents agree that the Philippines should work with like-minded countries in upholding the 2016 arbitral ruling, which affirmed the country's exclusive sovereign rights in the WPS. Only 3 percent disagreed, while 11 percent were undecided.
Support was strongest in Mindanao, where 91 percent backed the approach. Metro Manila followed at 90 percent, while the Visayas and Luzon outside Metro Manila posted 86 percent and 82 percent, respectively.
United States Remains Top Choice
When asked which countries the Philippines should work with in defending the WPS, the United States emerged as the top choice, with 84 percent of respondents selecting it.
Japan ranked second with 67 percent support, followed by Australia at 57 percent, Canada at 51 percent, and South Korea at 44 percent.
Support for cooperation with the United States was highest in Metro Manila at 86 percent. Luzon outside Metro Manila and Mindanao both recorded 85 percent, while the Visayas posted 79 percent.
Compared to a similar survey conducted in December 2025, support for both the United States and Japan increased by two and three percentage points, respectively.
Public Wants Firm but Cooperative Approach
Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said the findings reflect Filipinos’ preference for a strategy that combines diplomacy, defense readiness, and partnerships with countries that support international law and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
He added that the results suggest Filipinos recognize the value of working with nations that support the country’s lawful claims in the WPS.
Meanwhile, support for cooperation with China remained lower than that of the Philippines’ key allies, although 23 percent of respondents in Mindanao said they would like the government to work with Beijing in defending the WPS.
The survey interviewed 1,500 respondents nationwide and has a margin of error of ±2.5 percent. It was released ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebration and the upcoming 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling.
