PRESS RELEASE

Manila, Philippines — An overwhelming 94% of Filipinos believe that the Philippines should continue its transparency policy and persist in publicly exposing China’s coercive behavior toward Filipino vessels and fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This near-universal support underscores the public’s firm backing for the government’s approach of transparency and factual reporting on maritime incidents in defense of the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and other maritime interests in the South China Sea.

The finding comes from a nationwide Pulse Asia survey conducted from September 27–30, 2025, commissioned by the We Protect our Seas (WPS) Foundation. The survey was conducted among a representative sample of Filipino adults nationwide, with results reflecting strong, cross-demographic consensus in favor of transparency as an important element of the Philippines’ broader maritime strategy.

 

Broad-Based Public Support Across Regions and Demographics

According to the data, support for continuing the transparency policy is highest in the National Capital Region (97%) and Balance Luzon (96%), followed closely by the Visayas (93%) and Mindanao (89%). Support remains overwhelming among both urban (93%) and rural (95%) populations, reflecting consistent trust in the government’s policy regardless of locality or socioeconomic status.

The survey also shows near-unanimous support across socioeconomic classes:

  • Class ABC: 93%
  • Class D: 94%
  • Class E: 96%

By employment category, 100% of government employees surveyed expressed support for the transparency policy, along with 95% in the private sector, 93% of self-employed respondents, and 96% of farmers and fisherfolk, the group most directly affected by Chinese coercive actions in Philippine waters.

Generational and Educational Consensus

Support remains strong across all age groups, reaching 97% among senior citizens (65 and above), 96% among those aged 55–64, and over 90% among youth aged 18–34. Similarly, approval is consistently high across educational backgrounds—from those with no formal education or only elementary schooling (95%) to college and postgraduate degree holders (93%)—demonstrating widespread understanding of the value of transparency in upholding the rule of law and protecting maritime rights.

 

Public Confidence in the Philippines’ Transparency Approach

The results reflect overwhelming public confidence in the Marcos Administration’s transparency initiatives, particularly those led by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS). Under this approach, the Philippines has consistently publicized incidents of illegal Chinese actions—such as laser pointing, water-cannoning, and dangerous maneuvers—against Filipino vessels conducting lawful activities within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

This transparency policy, widely supported at home and commended abroad, reinforces the Philippines’ standing as a rules-based and responsible actor in the region. It has helped garner international support, strengthen partnerships, and counter disinformation about events in the WPS.

 

Statement from the WPS Foundation

Dr. Jeffrey Ordaniel, President and CEO of the WPS Foundation, noted:

“The data affirms that Filipinos understand the importance of transparency in defending our national interests and upholding international law. It is a pre-requisite to any effort to push back against Beijing in the South China Sea. Exposing China’s bad behavior at sea serves important purposes: first, it demonstrates non-acquiescence to Beijing’s unlawful claims, preventing any claim that PRC has effective control over certain maritime spaces or offshore territories. Second, it rallies global public opinion against the use of coercion and force to press claims, making it easier for Philippine allies and partners to pressure China. After all, if the Philippines was silent in the face of Chinese bullying, why should its allies and partners even say something about it. And third, transparency makes it easier to fight disinformation in the Philippines designed to remove Manila’s agency on these issues.”

 

Survey Methodology

The survey was conducted by Pulse Asia Research, Inc. from September 27–30, 2025, using face-to-face interviews across all regions of the Philippines. The national sample size represents 100% of Filipino adults, with a ±2.5% margin of error at the 95% confidence level.

 For inquiries, email Katrina Tiu at katrina@wps-ph.org.