A vast majority of Filipinos — eight out of ten — favor candidates in the May 2025 elections who support asserting the Philippines’ rights against China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on March 7.
The survey, conducted from February 15 to 19 with 1,800 respondents nationwide, found that 78 percent of Filipinos would vote for “a candidate who believes that the Philippines must assert our rights against China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.” Only 22 percent would choose a candidate who does not share this belief.
“During election time, we run surveys month after month to gauge where the Filipino people stand on certain issues,” Stratbase Group president Dindo Manhit said in a recent forum. “Just a few days back, we spoke of at least eight out of ten Filipinos who would like to support candidates who will stand up for the sovereignty of the Filipino people.”
The highest support for candidates defending the country’s maritime rights came from Metro Manila (87 percent), followed by the rest of Luzon (83 percent), the Visayas (76 percent), and Mindanao (67 percent).
Strong backing for alliances
The same survey also showed that 77 percent of Filipinos agree that the government should strengthen international alliances through joint patrols, joint sails, and joint military exercises to protect the country’s territorial and economic rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Metro Manila respondents expressed the strongest support at 84 percent, followed by Luzon outside Metro Manila (82 percent), the Visayas (77 percent), and Mindanao (64 percent). Of those who agreed, 59 percent strongly supported strengthening alliances, while 18 percent somewhat agreed. Meanwhile, nine percent opposed the idea, and 14 percent remained undecided.
“A clear message”
Manhit presented the survey results during a forum on the Philippines – Japan – United States trilateral partnership, organized by the Stratbase Institute in collaboration with the Japan Foundation Manila.
“Filipinos recognize that a firm and united approach — through diplomacy, military readiness, and strategic partnerships — is essential in safeguarding our territorial integrity,” he said. “These numbers send a clear message: the nation stands resolute in defending what is rightfully ours.”
He also warned that regional tensions have broader implications for the country.
“The increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea and East China Sea remind us that sovereignty and territorial integrity directly impact the security, economy, and livelihood of our people,” he said.
With China’s assertive actions in disputed waters, Manhit underscored the importance of strengthening trilateral cooperation with Japan and the U.S.
“The reaffirmation of our trilateral commitments could not come at a more critical time, as geopolitical risks continue to escalate, especially in the maritime domain,” he said. “By reinforcing our trilateral cooperation, we can chart a future where the Indo-Pacific remains free, open, and secure,” Manhit added.
The survey had a margin of error of ±2.31 percent nationwide, ±3.27 percent in Luzon outside Metro Manila, and ±5.66 percent each for Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas west of the Philippine archipelago, part of the South China Sea, where the country has established maritime rights.
Tensions in the area remain high as China continues to assert its territorial claims, overlapping with the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Despite the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidating China’s claims, Beijing persists with aggressive actions, including coast guard confrontations, military exercises, and reef construction.
The dispute remains a major source of friction between the two nations, with growing calls for the Philippine government to assert its sovereignty and strengthen alliances to counter Chinese aggression.
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