Overview: A Clear Public Call for Transparency in the West Philippine Sea
A new Pulse Asia survey, commissioned by the We Protect Our Seas Foundation, reveals strong public support for a continued transparency policy in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Conducted from September 27 to 30, 2025, the nationwide study shows that 94% of Filipinos believe the government should publicly expose China’s coercive actions toward Filipino vessels and fishermen in the WPS. The results underscore a broad demand for openness in maritime governance and a principled stand against coercive activities in disputed waters.
Key Findings: Where Support is Highest—and Why It Matters
The survey highlights regional and demographic variations in support for a transparent approach. The highest endorsement came from the National Capital Region (97%), followed closely by Balance Luzon (96%) and Visayas (93%). Mindanao reported the lowest level of support among the regions, at 89%, though this still represents a strong majority.
Urban and rural divides also emerged: rural respondents showed slightly higher support (95%) than urban respondents (93%). Among socioeconomic classes, Class E led with 96% backing, followed by Class D at 94% and Class ABC at 93%. These figures suggest that concern for maritime security and national sovereignty transcends income groups, though economic and logistical realities may shape perceptions of risk and policy effectiveness.
Public Trust in Government Agencies: Who Is Seen as Most Reliable?
A notable finding is the public’s confidence in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as the most trusted agency for updates and incident reports related to the WPS, with 41% of respondents naming it as the most trustworthy. The Philippine Navy received 19% trust, while the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) followed with 14%. Other agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of National Defense, and Department of Foreign Affairs, trailed behind, reflecting a preference for specialized maritime authorities in communicating maritime threats and responses.
Context and Implications: Why Public Opinion Is Important
The results come amid a long-running dispute over the WPS, where China rejects a 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling invalidating its expansive claims. China’s continued activity in disputed waters, including reported water cannon and other coercive tactics against Philippine vessels, has kept the dispute at the forefront of regional security concerns. The Pulse Asia data indicate that many Filipinos view transparency as a practical and moral approach to deterring coercion while maintaining international credibility.
Policy Implications for the Marcos Administration
With 94% of respondents backing continued transparency, policymakers are likely to face continued public demand for consistent, fact-based reporting on WPS developments. The We Protect Our Seas Foundation says the survey supports its broader mission to promote policy transparency, maritime governance, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. For the Philippine government, the challenge lies in balancing transparency with diplomacy, ensuring that disclosures are accurate, timely, and aligned with international law.
Historical Context: From PCA Victory to Ongoing Diplomacy
In 2016, the Philippines won a landmark PCA ruling invalidating portions of China’s maritime claims. Despite the ruling, Beijing has maintained that it prefers a “friendly consultation” approach, and recent incidents—such as the reported water cannon and ramming near Pag-asa Island—have intensified concerns over China’s behavior in the WPS. Public opinion, as reflected in this Pulse Asia survey, appears to reinforce support for a transparent, law-based response to such provocations.
Conclusion: A Public Mandate for Openness in Maritime Security
As the Philippines continues to navigate the complexities of the WPS dispute, the Pulse Asia findings suggest that a transparent policy framework enjoys broad legitimacy among Filipinos. With the PCG leading as the most trusted source for WPS updates, the government could leverage this trust to improve incident reporting, strengthen maritime safety, and sustain a policy of open, evidence-based communication with the public and international partners.
