A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on Filipinos’ candidate preference regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute reinforces public support for the administration-backed Team Pilipinas senatorial slate, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga said Sunday.
The survey revealed that eight in 10 Filipinos prefer candidates who advocate for asserting the country’s rights in WPS, amid China’s aggressive actions in the disputed waters.
“This survey proves the solid backing of the Filipino people for the candidates of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, led by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.. They make up Team Pilipinas,” Gonzales said.
He added that the results strengthen the chances of victory for administration candidates over those aligned with China or associated with former President Rodrigo Duterte.
At the Alyansa campaign launch in Ilocos Norte on February 11, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the stark difference between his candidates and their rivals, emphasizing their firm stance against China’s provocations in the WPS.
“None of our candidates applaud China when our Coast Guard is attacked, our fishermen are blocked, or our islands are encroached upon,” Marcos stated.
The SWS survey, conducted from February 15-19 with 1,800 respondents, found that 78% of Filipinos prefer candidates who advocate for defending Philippine rights in WPS, while only 22% favor those who do not.
Regional preferences:
- Metro Manila: 87% support pro-WPS candidates
- Luzon (excluding Metro Manila): 83%
- Visayas: 76%
- Mindanao: 67% (lowest support)
In contrast, Mindanao—Duterte’s stronghold—registered the highest support (33%) for candidates who do not prioritize asserting the country’s rights in WPS, compared to only 13% in Metro Manila.
Gonzales emphasized that Filipinos’ widespread distrust of China—with nine in 10 expressing skepticism toward Beijing in previous polls—further weakens the chances of pro-China candidates.
“If our people do not trust China, they will not trust China’s defenders,” he said.
With these survey results, the Marcos-backed Team Pilipinas slate is poised to gain momentum, as Filipinos overwhelmingly reject pro-China candidates and favor those who will stand firm in defending the country’s sovereignty.