Members of the House "Young Guns" bloc see a "united stand" among Filipinos when it comes to defending the country's sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Deputy Speakers La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V, Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun; and Assistant Majority Leader Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong well all galvanized Sunday, March 15 due to the latest Pulse Asia survey results that showed strong public desire on the truth behind China’s actions in the WPS.

Adiong said the poll results demonstrated that Filipinos recognized transparency as a key strategy in asserting the country’s rights under international law.

“Alam ng taumbayan na mahalaga ang pagiging bukas sa mga nangyayari sa WPS (The people know the importance of transparency about the occurrences in the WPS),” Adiong said.

"When we expose coercive actions, we make it clear that the Philippines stands firmly on the side of international law and a rules-based order,” he added.

Ortega, whose province sits along the WPS coast, said: “Iisa ang paninindigan ng sambayanang Pilipino—ipaglaban ang ating karapatan sa WPS at ipakita sa buong mundo ang katotohanan (The Filipino people stand united—to defend our rights in the WPS and to show the world the truth)."

“Transparency is our strength. When we reveal what is happening on the ground, we protect our fishermen, defend our sovereignty and rally international support for the rule of law,” Ortega added.

Meanwhile, Khonghun, whose province is positioned along the WPS, says the survey results show that Filipinos support the government’s efforts to expose coercive activities in the contested waters.

“This survey reflects a strong national consensus that the Philippines must continue telling the truth about what is happening in the WPS,” Khonghun said.

“By documenting and revealing these incidents, we strengthen our position before the international community and show that the Filipino people will not be intimidated,” he added.

The Pulse Asia survey conducted from Feb. 27 to March 2 found out that 68 percent of Filipinos favor continuing the disclosure of China’s actions against Philippine vessels and fishermen in the WPS. Only 28 percent said the Philippines should stop revealing these incidents, while four percent were undecided.

The poll findings also showed strong public support for partnerships with other nations that support Manila's position in the WPS.

The United States (US) topped the list at 70 percent, followed by Japan (46 percent), Australia (37 percent), Canada (26 percent), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an organization (24 percent).

Other countries mentioned by respondents include South Korea (20 percent), Russia (19 percent), the United Kingdom (16 percent), Germany (13 percent), and Taiwan (6 percent).

Ortega said the survey should further strengthen the Philippines’ resolve to assert its rights in the WPS, particularly as the country chairs the ASEAN this year.

“This strong public support should embolden us to continue defending our sovereignty and standing up for the Filipino people,” he said.