A recent OCTA Research survey reveals that a significant 84% of Filipinos endorse the Philippine government’s actions to safeguard and assert its maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea. The survey, known as Tugon ng Masa, was carried out between November 10 and 16, 2024, and highlighted a robust backing for these efforts across various regions and demographics. Metro Manila showed the strongest support at 90%, while Balance Luzon had the least at 81%. Socioeconomic classes D and E showed high levels of support at 84% and 83% respectively. The age group of 25 to 34 years expressed the highest agreement at 89%, whereas the 18 to 24 age group had the lowest at 71%. Awareness of the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea is widespread, with 91% of respondents being informed about the issue. The survey involved face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults and has a margin of error of ±3% with a 95% confidence level. The National Security Council has stated that the Philippines will not tolerate the illegal actions of Chinese maritime forces within its waters, particularly noting the activities of the China Coast Guard vessel 5901, a 165-meter ‘monster ship’, operating illegally in the country’s exclusive economic zone. NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya emphasized that Philippine assets are actively challenging the presence of Chinese vessels daily. The government’s focus on maritime domain awareness has been crucial in detecting these illegal activities. The National Maritime Council has pointed out that these actions by China violate Republic Act 12064, international law including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 2016 arbitral ruling that upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its maritime zones, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine government remains steadfast in defending its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction within its maritime zones.
Overwhelming Majority of Filipinos Support Government’s Defense of West Philippine Sea
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