A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the Stratbase Institute reveals that Filipinos prioritize modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) over strengthening military alliances or forging new defense agreements.

The poll, conducted from June 20 to 29, found that 45% of respondents selected AFP and PCG modernization as their top choice for defending the country’s maritime rights, surpassing 33% who favored reinforcing alliances through maritime exercises and 22% who preferred establishing defense agreements.

The survey highlights regional variations, with Luzon showing the highest support at 47%, followed by the National Capital Region (46%), Visayas (44%), and Mindanao (39%).Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s push to increase defense spending to 4% of GDP to bolster maritime capabilities is contextualized within the findings.

The results underscore the public’s emphasis on credible military capabilities and sustained investment, as noted by Stratbase Institute president Victor Manhit.The survey, which interviewed 1,200 adults nationwide, has a margin of error of ±3% for national estimates and ±6% for regional breakdowns.

This focus on modernization reflects a strategic shift toward enhancing national defense infrastructure to assert maritime sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.