FILIPINOS FAVOR ALLIANCE WITH US – SURVEY

MORE Filipinos want the Philippines to align with the United States than with the People's Republic of China, a recent survey said.

The results of a nationwide poll by Oculum Research and Analytics conducted from February 21 to 20 revealed that 43 percent of the 3,000 respondents favored an alliance with the US, while only 3 percent preferred closer ties with China.

Oculum Research Head and Analytics Chief Statistician Joseph Mercado said the survey's results offer a revealing glimpse into public opinion on the South China Sea territorial dispute.

China received the lowest trust rating among 16 countries in the same survey, with 17 percent. It garnered the highest level of distrust among respondents, at 38 percent.

Mercado attributed China's low ratings to geopolitical tensions, economic competition, territorial dispute with the Philippines, and concerns over political and human rights issues.

In sharp contrast, the US emerged as the most trusted country among the respondents, with 75 percent.

Mercado said the popularity of the US could be a reflection of its global influence, as well as a long-standing perception that it is a key ally of the Philippines.

Behind the US were Canada (69 percent), Australia (65 percent) and Japan (59 percent).

The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points and a high confidence level of 97 percent.

The breakdown of respondents was as follows: 335 from the National Capital Region, 645 from Northern and Central Luzon, 690 from Southern Luzon, 615 from the Visayas and 715 from Mindanao.

2024-04-26T16:21:00Z dg43tfdfdgfd