Overview: Broad Public Support for WPS Transparency
A new Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the We Protect Our Seas Foundation shows overwhelming public backing in the Philippines for continuing a transparency policy on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and for publicly exposing China’s coercive actions against Filipino vessels and fishermen. Conducted from September 27 to 30, 2025, the nationwide poll highlights strong consensus across regions, urban-rural divides, and socioeconomic classes that government transparency should be maintained.
Key Finding: 94% Support Transparency Policy in WPS
The survey found that 94% of Filipinos believe the Philippines should continue its transparency policy and persist in publicly exposing China’s coercive behavior toward Filipino vessels and fishermen in the WPS. The We Protect Our Seas Foundation emphasized that the results reflect a broad public demand for accountability and factual reporting on maritime disputes in the Indo-Pacific region.
Regional Variations in Support
- National Capital Region: 97%
- Balance Luzon: 96%
- Visayas: 93%
- Mindanao: 89%
While support remains high nationwide, the data show slightly lower backing in Mindanao. The rural population expressed stronger support (95%) than the urban population (93%), indicating widespread public preference for transparency across different living contexts.
Socioeconomic Insights
Support for the WPS transparency policy was highest among Class E (lower income) at 96%, followed by Class D (74? Correction: Class D at 94%), and Class ABC at 93%. The findings suggest that concern for maritime governance and accountability resonates across economic strata, reinforcing policy momentum for a transparent approach to regional security issues.
Public Trust in Government Agencies
Respondents identified the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) as the most trusted government agency for updates and incident reports concerning the WPS, with 41% selecting the PCG. Other agencies cited included the Philippine Navy (19%), the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) (14%), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (8%). Smaller shares named the Department of National Defense (5%), Department of Foreign Affairs (3%), the National Security Council (2%), and the National Maritime Council (2%).
About the Survey and Context
The We Protect Our Seas Foundation commissioned the study to foster fact-based public discourse and policy transparency on maritime governance, security cooperation, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. The results come amid ongoing tensions in the WPS, where China’s actions and past rulings shape the security environment surrounding Philippine claims and freedoms of navigation.
Historical Context and Recent Incidents
In 2016, the Philippines secured a landmark ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidating China’s expansive South China Sea claims. Beijing, though, has not acknowledged the ruling and has maintained ongoing presence in the contested waters. The Philippines has filed more than 150 diplomatic protests during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration as part of ongoing efforts to assert territorial rights.
Recent incidents underscore the volatility of the WPS, including a weekend clash in which a China Coast Guard vessel employed water cannons against a Philippine government boat near Pag-asa Island. Such events keep the focus on maritime law, freedom of navigation, and the public’s desire for transparent reporting of developments in the WPS.
Implications for Policy and Public Discourse
With 94% of Filipinos backing transparency, policymakers and security agencies may feel reinforced to maintain open communication channels and robust incident reporting. The PCG’s position as the most trusted source for WPS-related updates could influence how information is shared with the public and international partners, potentially shaping diplomacy and regional cooperation strategies in the Indo-Pacific.
READ: Defending Our Territory: The West Philippine Sea
