HOUSE leaders belonging to the “Young Guns” bloc on Sunday said the latest Pulse Asia survey showing strong public support for revealing China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) sends a clear message that Filipinos want the government to remain transparent and firm in defending the country’s maritime rights.
House Special Committee on West Philippine Sea Vice Chair and House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, Deputy Speaker Paolo P. Ortega V of La Union and Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun of Zambales said the survey underscores broad public backing for the Philippines’ policy of documenting and disclosing incidents involving Chinese vessels in disputed waters.
Adiong, Chair of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, said the findings demonstrate that Filipinos recognize transparency as a key strategy in asserting the country’s rights under international law.
“Alam ng taumbayan na mahalaga ang pagiging bukas sa mga nangyayari sa West Philippine Sea,” Adiong said.
“When we expose coercive actions, we stress that the Philippines stands firmly on the side of international law and a rules-based order,” Ortega, whose province sits along the West Philippine Sea coast, said. “The Filipino people have spoken clearly—hindi dapat itinatago ang mga panggigipit sa West Philippine Sea.”
“Transparency is our strength. When we reveal what is happening on the ground, we protect our fishermen, defend our sovereignty and rally international support for the rule of law,” Ortega added.
Khonghun, whose province is positioned along the West Philippine Sea, said the results indicate that Filipinos support the government’s efforts to expose coercive activities in the contested waters.
“This survey reflects a strong national consensus that the Philippines must continue telling the truth about what is happening in the West Philippine Sea,” Khonghun said.
“By documenting and revealing these incidents, we strengthen our position before the international community and show that the Filipino people will not be intimidated,” he added.
A Pulse Asia survey conducted from Feb. 27 to March 2 found that 68 percent of Filipinos favor continuing the disclosure of China’s actions against Philippine vessels and fishermen in the WPS.
Only 28 percent said the Philippines should stop revealing these incidents, while four percent were undecided.
Support for continuing disclosure was highest in the National Capital Region and Balance Luzon at 75 percent, followed by Mindanao at 68 percent, while the Visayas posted 45 percent.
Adiong, vice chair of the House Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea, said the findings demonstrate that Filipinos recognize transparency as a key strategy in asserting the country’s rights under international law.
“Alam ng taumbayan na mahalaga ang pagiging bukas sa mga nangyayari sa West Philippine Sea,” Adiong said.
“When we expose coercive actions, we stress that the Philippines stands firmly on the side of international law and a rules-based order,” he added.
The Pulse Asia survey also found strong public support for partnerships with other countries in defending Philippine rights in the WPS.
The United States topped the list at 70 percent, followed by Japan (46 percent), Australia (37 percent), Canada (26 percent), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an organization (24 percent).
Other countries mentioned by respondents include South Korea (20 percent), Russia (19 percent), the United Kingdom (16 percent), Germany (13 percent), and Taiwan (6 percent).
Ortega said the survey should further strengthen the Philippines’ resolve to assert its rights in the WPS, particularly as the country chairs the ASEAN this year.
“This strong public support should embolden us to continue defending our sovereignty and standing up for the Filipino people,” Ortega said.
“Iisa ang paninindigan ng sambayanang Pilipino—ipaglaban ang ating karapatan sa West Philippine Sea at ipakita sa buong mundo ang katotohanan,” he added.
