MANILA, Philippines — Almost nine in 10 Filipinos believe that the Philippines should ally with like-minded nations such as the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and South Korea to defend its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a Pulse Asia survey revealed.
The survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Institute, was conducted from May 3 to 7, 2026 among 1,500 respondents.
It found that 86 percent agreed that the country should defend the WPS alongside partner nations. Only 3 percent disagreed, while 11 percent were undecided.
READ: Survey: Filipinos trust US most to help protect WPS
The findings were shared in a press release by Stratbase on Wednesday, about a month ahead of the 10th anniversary of the July 12, 2016 arbitral ruling, which upheld the Philippines’ rights in the WPS under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Based on the survey, support was strongest in Mindanao where 91 percent of respondents expressed positive answers for working with like-minded nations, followed by the National Capital Region at 90 percent.
Stratbase Institute President Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said the findings show that Filipinos want the government to “remain firm” in asserting the country’s rights in the WPS as it strengthens partnerships with nations that support international law and a “rules-based” Indo-Pacific region.
READ: Stratbase backs Balikatan, cites need for stronger PH defense in WPS
“Filipinos clearly recognize that upholding the 2016 arbitral award and strengthening cooperation with like-minded nations are essential components of preserving our independence in the 21st century,” Manhit said in the same press release.
Respondents were also asked which countries or organizations the Philippines should work with in defending the WPS.
The United States topped the list with 84 percent support, followed by Japan at 67 percent, and Australia with 57 percent.
Canada followed at 51 percent, while South Korea ranked fifth at 44 percent.
Meanwhile, backing for China was most pronounced in Mindanao, with 23 percent of respondents saying the Philippines should partner with Beijing in addressing WPS concerns.
“These suggest that Filipinos distinguish between countries that support the Philippines’ lawful rights in the WPS and those whose actions have contributed to tensions in the area,” Manhit added. /jpv
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