MANILA — Nearly nine in 10 Filipinos support Philippine cooperation with like-minded countries in defending the West Philippine Sea, according to a Pulse Asia survey commissioned by the Stratbase Institute.

The poll, released Wednesday ahead of Independence Day and the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling on the South China Sea, showed strong public backing for working with allies such as the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, and South Korea.

The survey, conducted among 1,500 respondents from May 3 to 7, 2026, asked whether Filipinos agree that the Philippines should defend the West Philippine Sea with like-minded countries in line with the arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims.

Nationwide, 86 percent of respondents agreed, including 91 percent in Mindanao—where 63 percent said they strongly agreed—and 90 percent in the National Capital Region, where 64 percent strongly agreed.

Only 3 percent disagreed, while 11 percent said they were undecided.

Respondents were also asked to identify countries or organizations the Philippines should work with in defending the West Philippine Sea.

The United States topped the list with 84 percent support, followed by Japan at 67 percent, Australia at 57 percent, Canada at 51 percent, and South Korea at 44 percent.

Support for cooperation with the United States was highest in the National Capital Region at 86 percent, followed by Balance Luzon and Mindanao at 85 percent. It was also highest among Class E respondents at 86 percent.

The figures for the United States and Japan were slightly higher compared to a similar Stratbase-commissioned survey conducted in December 2025, which recorded 82 percent and 64 percent support, respectively.

Meanwhile, 23 percent of respondents in Mindanao expressed support for working with China in defending the West Philippine Sea.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime zones on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including areas such as the Luzon Sea, Bajo de Masinloc, and the Kalayaan Island Group, parts of which are being claimed by China under its so-called nine-dash line.

Stratbase Institute president and CEO Victor Andres Manhit said the results show Filipinos view the 2016 ruling and stronger cooperation with allies as key to protecting national sovereignty.

“As we mark a decade of our victory at The Hague, we must do our part in defending our hard-won triumph so that future generations inherit a nation that is free, secure and respected in the international community,” he said.