Majority of Filipinos back defense of PH territory, but regional gaps emerge — Octa survey

Added: 2026-05-26

[00:00:00]Majority of Filipinos are willing to support the government in defending Philippine territory. That's according to an Octa survey commissioned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The survey shows that 76% of adult Filipinos support government efforts to assert sovereign rights. However, Octa noted sharp regional divides on the issue.

[00:00:22]Respondents were asked if they agreed with the statement, "I love my country and I am committed to support the government in defending its territory and asserting sovereign rights, including over the West Philippine Sea."

[00:00:37]Some regions posted near unanimous support, [music] while others showed unusually high skepticism.

[00:00:44]Support was strongest in Metro Manila, where 83% agreed with the statement.

[00:00:49]Mimaropa, home to Palawan, which faces the disputed waters, recorded the highest regional support at 93%.

[00:00:58]In contrast, Central Visayas registered the lowest agreement rate nationwide at just 45%.

[00:01:06]The Davao region registered the country's highest disagreement rate at the national average [music] of 7%. The survey was conducted from March 19 to 25 with 1,200 respondents nationwide.