Majority of Filipinos feel that the Marcos administration should work with the US amid continuing tension in the West Philippine Sea, a recent survey showed.

In a survey released on Tuesday, Jan. 16, by Pulse Asia and commissioned by international think tank Stratbase ADR Institute, 79 percent of Filipinos believe that the government should work with the US "in view of the continuing tension in the West Philippine Sea and its implications on the country's security and economy."

Meanwhile, 43 percent of Filipinos push for the government to work with Australia; 42 percent with Japan; 34 percent with Canada; and 22 percent with the United Kingdom.

Only 17 percent want the Marcos' administration to work with the European Union; 16 percent with Russia; 15 percent with South Korea; 10 percent with China; and four percent with India.

The two percent of the individuals, who were surveyed from Dec. 3 to 7, said they did not have enough knowledge to give their opinion, while one percent said none of those mentioned countries must be the country's partner in securing the West Philippine Sea.

According to the survey, more than half or 55 percent of the surveyed individuals believe that the Marcos administration can fulfill its promise of protecting the country's water against illegal and aggressive actions.

It also showed that the plurality or the 31 percent of Filipinos cite the need to uphold the 2016 Arbitral Award in defending the West Philippine Sea, while 27 percent just want to maintain the Philippines' sovereign and territorial integrity and the 23 percent aim for the protection of the country's maritime resources.

The remaining Filipinos either want the security of livelihood of fisherfolks; the protection of economic interests; and the accountability of those that are committing aggressive actions against Philippine vessels.

Strengthening the country's defense capability, especially of the Navy, the Air Force and the Coast Guard, through the modernization program was the top pick of the 67 percent Filipinos in terms of what the Marcos administration could do to assert the country's rights.

It was followed by strengthening alliance through joint patrols, which was selected by 56 percent of Filipinos; establishing stronger military presence by repairing the BRP Sierra Madre and doing by resupply missions, at 52 percent; and improving inter-agency cooperation, also at 52 percent.

For Stratbase President Dindo Manhit, the results show the need for the Marcos administration to bolster its alliance and partnerships with like-minded states, such as the US, Australia, and Japan.

"These countries have continued to voice their support for the Philippine position and have condemned Chinese actions against Filipino vessels," he said.

"Their resounding statements of support boost the confidence of the Philippines in the international community. In the face of asymmetric security challenges, the Philippines must leverage its relations with states with shared values and with the same commitment to defend the rules-based international order," he added.