Manila: Lawmakers on Tuesday said the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey shows that Filipinos demand leaders who will defend the country's sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In a statement, Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez said overwhelming support for pro-sovereignty candidates reflects the Filipino people's clear desire for a strong, independent future.
According to Philippines News Agency, Suarez was referring to the Stratbase-commissioned nationwide survey, conducted from April 11 to 14, which found that 75 percent of the 1,800 respondents prefer candidates who assert Philippine sovereignty in the WPS against China's aggressive actions. "The Filipino people have spoken. They reject China's bullying, and they reject candidates who would allow foreign powers to trample on our rights. This is a fight for our sovereignty, our future, and our dignity as a nation," Suarez said.
House Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. stated that the survey results would be a strong boost to the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition's senatorial slate. He highlighted that Alyansa's candidates share President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s commitment to assert the country's economic, sovereign, and territorial interests. "Maliwanag sa resulta ng survey na malawak ang suporta ng mga kababayan natin sa mga senatorial candidate ng Pangulong BBM (The survey results clearly show that our countrymen overwhelmingly support President BBM's senatorial candidates)," Gonzales said. He expressed hope that the 75-percent preference for pro-Philippines candidates would translate into actual votes for Team Pinas candidates and pledged to campaign vigorously for Alyansa's victory.
Suarez, meanwhile, warned that China's aggression extends beyond maritime incursions, citing Senate findings of Beijing's alleged efforts to interfere in the May 12 midterm elections through disinformation and covert political backing. "China's aggression is not only in our seas but also in our social media, our communities, and now even in our elections. We must wake up to this reality. Sovereignty is not just defended on the water; it must also be defended in the hearts and minds of our people," he said, urging voters to reject candidates compromised by foreign interests.
