A substantial majority of Filipino adults support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approach to managing the West Philippine Sea conflict, according to a recent OCTA Research survey.
Released on Friday to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling that favored Manila, the poll shows that 66 percent of respondents back the current administration’s maritime policies.
The nationwide survey, conducted from April 20 to 24 with 1,200 participants, found that 66 percent either “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” with the government’s tactics. Meanwhile, 13 percent expressed opposition, and 19 percent were undecided.
Public sentiment also leans heavily toward active defense and diplomatic measures.
Among those surveyed, 69 percent favor boosting naval deployments, 66 percent support resolving disputes through diplomatic and peaceful means, and 64 percent advocate for speeding up the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to safeguard national sovereignty.
Geographic data reveals that the administration’s maritime stance enjoys its highest backing in the National Capital Region at 70 percent, followed by Balance Luzon at 68 percent, the Visayas at 65 percent, and Mindanao at 62 percent.
Across socioeconomic brackets, approval remained stable, sitting at 68 percent for Class ABC, 67 percent for Class D, and 63 percent for Class E. Conversely, Mindanao registered the highest disapproval rate at 19 percent.
According to OCTA Research, the 66 percent approval figure reflects an established trend rather than a temporary spike, indicating a steady and clear public demand for an assertive government stance on West Philippine Sea issues.
The poll features a ±3 percent margin of error and a 95 percent confidence level.