18-8-2023 (MANILA) A resounding majority of Filipinos are in favour of augmenting and broadening military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, according to a recent survey conducted by OCTA Research.
The survey, conducted from July 22 to 26, unveiled its findings on August 17, revealing that 54 percent of respondents are proponents of a strengthened military alliance between the two nations, specifically to address territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
Within this majority, 14 percent of respondents held a “very favorable” perspective on the matter, while 40 percent expressed a “somewhat favorable” outlook. In contrast, only 11 percent displayed a lack of enthusiasm for expanding military collaboration between the US and the Philippines to tackle issues in the West Philippine Sea. The remaining 32 percent indicated uncertainty regarding their stance.
Examining broader considerations, the survey probed respondents on their support for reinforcing and expanding military cooperation to confront external threats facing the country as a whole. In response, 58 percent voiced their support, with 15 percent describing themselves as “very favorable” and 43 percent as “somewhat favorable.” Conversely, 12 percent registered a degree of unenthusiasm, while 28 percent remained ambivalent.
This survey forms part of OCTA’s ongoing inquiry into public sentiment surrounding key policies and measures, with particular focus on navigating conflicts related to the West Philippine Sea. Earlier results from the same research endeavour shed light on preferred courses of action under the Marcos administration.
Of those surveyed, 70 percent advocated for asserting the Philippines’ territorial rights through diplomatic means and other peaceful strategies. Meanwhile, 65 percent favoured a more assertive approach involving military action, and 61 percent believed in enhancing the Philippine military’s capabilities to protect national territories.
Notably, the total percentage exceeded 100 due to respondents being able to select up to three measures that aligned with their views.
Conducted as part of OCTA’s “Tugon ng Masa” survey series, the research incorporated insights from 1,200 adult participants, with a margin of error of +/- three percent. The results offer a glimpse into the prevailing sentiments of the Filipino populace on critical matters of national security and foreign relations.
