By means of John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter
SEVEN in 10 Filipinos will not vote for candidates who would support China in next year’s midterm elections amid escalating maritime tensions with Beijing, according to a Pulse Asia Research, Inc. poll.
The poll, commissioned by think tank Stratbase ADR Institute, showed that 73% of Filipinos said they would not support pro-China candidates, while 5% said they would support pro-China candidates. About 23% of Filipinos were undecided.
Pulse Asia interviewed 1,200 Filipinos from September 6 to 13 for the poll, which had a margin of error of ±3 points.
The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
“Many Filipinos believe that China’s actions, especially in the West Philippine Sea, directly challenge our sovereignty and undermine the interests of our nation,” Victor Andres C. Manhit, the think tank’s president, said in a statement declaration.
“This prevailing view is driven by both patriotic sentiment and a desire for leaders who will prioritize the long-term security and prosperity of the Philippines,” he added.
He said electing pro-China candidates could lead to policies that endanger Manila’s maritime claims and economic interests.
Only 1% of Filipinos see China as a trusted partner in national development, while 79% see the United States as the Philippines’ most trusted development partner, according to the poll. About half of Filipinos said Japan is Manila’s most important ally.
About 7% of Filipinos said China is a useful economic partner for the Philippines, while 66% supported the US as the country’s top economic partner, followed by Japan at 43%, Australia at 32% and Canada at 31%.
“These countries have proven to be reliable allies not only in ensuring regional stability but also in promoting economic growth,” Mr Manhit said.
Based on a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by Stratbase in July, 60% of Filipinos said measures including joint patrols and military exercises with “allies, friends and partners” were sufficient to end the Southeast’s naval conflict -Asian country to resolve with China.
“The Pinoy voter is known to make up his mind just a few days before election day,” said Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, a senior research fellow at the Ateneo Policy Center, said in a Messenger chat. “So this anti-China sentiment could still change.”
“These results seem to indicate that Beijing’s efforts to win the hearts and minds of Pinoys are failing.”
He said this year’s candidates are likely to use the poll to stoke anti-China sound bites and slogans, but are unlikely to offer good national security solutions.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pressed Southeast Asian leaders and China at a regional summit last week to speed up negotiations on a code of conduct for the South China Sea, while accusing Beijing of intimidation and intimidation.
A 2016 arbitration award that invalidated China’s claims in the South China Sea said the Scarborough Shoal was a traditional fifishing ground for Filipino, Chinese and Vietnamese fishermen. China has controlled the shoal since 2012.
The Philippines has failed to implement the ruling and has since filed hundreds of protests against what it calls encroachment and intimidation by China’s coast guard and its vast fishing fleet.
Maria Ela L. Atienza, who teaches political science at the University of the Philippines, said worsening tensions with China and allegations of espionage and crimes involving Chinese operators of online gambling operations in the Philippines have made these anti-China sentiments more apparent .
“We should not underestimate those who represent Chinese interests as they may have many resources at their disposal that could influence the campaign and ultimately the outcome of the elections,” she said in a Viber message.