Nine out of 10 Filipinos believe it is important for the Philippines to regain control of the islands occupied by China in the West Philippine Sea, a second quarter of 2019 Social Weather Stations survey disclosed.
In the nationwide survey conducted last June 22 to 26, 1,200 respondents were asked: “In your opinion, is it important that the control of the islands that China currently occupies in the West Philippine Sea be given back to the Philippines?”
The SWS found out that 93 percent say it is important that the Philippines regain control of the islands occupied by China in the West Philippine Sea.
About 74 percent answered “very important,” 19 percent “somewhat important,” one percent “somewhat not important,” and one percent “not at all important.” Four percent were undecided about the matter.
The SWS pointed out that the proportion has increased steadily in four surveys since June 2018.
The latest figure of 93 percent saying it is very important and somewhat important that the Philippines regain control of the China-occupied islands in the West Philippine Sea is four points above the 89 percent (72 percent very important, 17 percent somewhat important) in December 2018.
It was 87 percent (72 percent very important, 15 percent somewhat important) in September 2018, and also 87 percent (69 percent very important, 18 percent somewhat important) in June 2018.
Also during the survey period, the SWS found out that the call for government action regarding the West Philippine Sea has grown substantially.
The respondents were particularly asked, “Is (activity) right or not right for the Philippine government to do in resolving the conflict between the Philippines and China about the West Philippine Sea?” (Ellalyn Ruiz)
