MANILA — A fresh Pulse Asia survey reveals that an overwhelming 94 percent of Filipinos support the government’s “transparency policy” of openly exposing China’s coercive and aggressive moves in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The survey, conducted from September 27 to 30, 2025, asked respondents whether the government should persist in publicizing incidents involving Chinese actions against Filipino vessels, fishermen, and patrols.
Results showed strong support across geographic zones and socioeconomic groups. The National Capital Region logged the highest approval at 97 percent, followed closely by Balance Luzon at 96 percent and the Visayas at 93 percent. Even in Mindanao, where support was lowest, it still reached 89 percent.
By socioeconomic class, the rural population recorded slightly higher backing at 95 percent, compared to 93 percent in urban areas. Among income classes, those in Class E gave 96 percent support, Class D also 94 percent, and Class ABC 93 percent.
In terms of institutional trust, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) emerged as the most trusted body to report WPS incidents, cited by 41 percent of respondents. It was followed by the Philippine Navy at 19 percent, the National Task Force–West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) at 14 percent, the Armed Forces at 8 percent, and the Department of National Defense at 5 percent.
The NTF-WPS welcomed the survey results, saying they “send a clear and powerful message” that Filipinos are firmly behind efforts to defend the nation’s sovereignty. The task force pledged to continue “shining light on every illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive” action in Philippine maritime zones.
Analysts point out that the so-called “transparency initiative,” adopted by the Marcos administration, is meant to highlight Chinese tactics in the contested sea through media coverage and public disclosure of incidents.
The survey also found that 77 percent of Filipinos view the United States as the country best equipped to help the Philippines deter China’s aggression in the WPS—reflecting a significant degree of public confidence in the US-Philippine alliance.
With public sentiment strongly behind it, the government appears encouraged to double down on transparency and external engagement as tools in its maritime diplomacy.
