Nearly half of the Filipinos are in favor of the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to defend the West Philippine Sea. Based on the second quarter 2026 SWS survey, 45% of respondents said that the government should continue the modernization of the AFP and PCG to effectively defend the maritime rights of the Philippines.

Support was highest in Luzon at 47%, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) at 46%. The Visayas garnered 44% support, while Mindanao stood at 39%.

Meanwhile, 33%  said that the government should also strengthen ties with allied nations through maritime cooperation and military exercises, while 22% favor expanding defense and security agreements with countries that share the same goal of maintaining peace and security in the region.

According to Stratbase Institute, the survey results show that Filipinos understand the importance of having a modern and well-equipped AFP and PCG to protect the country’s sovereignty and rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The survey was released following a proposal to increase the country’s defense spending to further boost the Philippines’ capabilities amid challenges in the West Philippine Sea.

It was conducted from June 20 to 29, 2026, through face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adult Filipinos nationwide. It has a plus-minus 3% margin of error at the national level and a 95% confidence level.

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