HOUSE leaders on Tuesday welcomed the latest OCTA Research survey showing that most Filipinos view China with deep distrust, consider it the country’s biggest threat, and demand a stronger defense of the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V of La Union and Jay Khonghun of Zambales, along with House Deputy Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, said the survey results are a resounding call for unity and action to protect Philippine sovereignty.
According to OCTA’s recent Tugon ng Masa survey, 85 percent of Filipinos distrust China, 74 percent identify it as the greatest threat, and 76 percent strongly support asserting the Philippines’ maritime entitlements.
Respondents cited Beijing’s aggressive acts in the WPS, the influx of smuggled goods and crimes involving Chinese nationals as main reasons for distrust.
“Napakalinaw ng mensahe: Hindi pinagkakatiwalaan ng mga Pilipino ang China at nais nilang ipaglaban ng kanilang mga lider ang WPS. Ito ay mandato mula sa taumbayan, at dapat natin itong tugunan ng may tapang, paninindigan at pagkakaisa,” Ortega said.
“History will judge us not by our words but by how we defended what is rightfully ours. We owe it to our heroes, our fishermen and our children to stand firm,” he declared.
Khonghun, whose province lies at the frontline of Chinese incursions, said the survey reflects the frustration of coastal communities.
“Matagal nang inaapi ang ating mga mangingisda sa sariling karagatan. Ngayon, buong bansa na ang nakikibahagi sa kanilang galit. Hindi na ito usaping lokal kundi pambansang laban para sa dangal at kaligtasan,” Khonghun pointed out.
“Ang buong Pilipinas ay sumisigaw na ngayon ng matagal nang isinisigaw ng mga taga-Zambales: tama na, sobra na. Bawat pulgada ng ating dagat ay dapat ipagtanggol,” he continued.
Adiong stressed that the issue unites all Filipinos, saying that “whether Muslim or Christian, from Mindanao or Luzon, every Filipino stands behind the defense of our seas.”
“The WPS is not negotiable, and we will never allow our sovereignty to be sold or surrendered,” he said.
Adiong added: “This survey is proof that our people are united. That unity is our greatest strength, and it should guide every decision we make as leaders of this nation.”
The lawmakers vowed that Congress will translate public sentiment into concrete action, from strengthening maritime defense to supporting alliances that safeguard Philippine sovereignty.
OCTA Research conducted the non-commissioned survey from July 12 to 17, 2025, with 1,200 respondents nationwide and a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
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