DEPUTY Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez on Tuesday emphasized that the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey delivers a clear and powerful message: Filipinos reject China’s aggression and disinformation, and want leaders who will unwaveringly defend the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Suarez was referring to the SWS survey commissioned by Stratbase, which found that 75 percent of Filipinos prefer candidates who assert Philippine sovereignty against China’s aggressive actions.
He said the overwhelming support for pro-sovereignty candidates reflects the Filipino people’s clear desire for a strong, independent future.
“Now is the time to stand as one. Pilipinas muna. Pilipinas palagi,” Suarez said. “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.”
The lawmaker from Quezon province added that the survey results mirror the groundswell of support for Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, the powerhouse 11-member Senate slate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and supported by Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) led by its president, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, as well as the Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. in the House of Representatives.
“The Alyansa slate stands firmly for sovereignty, democracy, and the Filipino people. There is no doubt that Alyansa is committed to asserting our rightful place in the WPS, without fear and without compromise,” Suarez said.
The survey, conducted from April 11 to 14 among 1,800 respondents nationwide, also highlighted vulnerabilities exploited by China’s disinformation operations.
Stratbase President Dindo Manhit noted that 41 percent of voters in Social Class E, the country’s poorest sector, were more inclined to favor non-assertive candidates, making them “primary targets and victims” of China’s systematic narrative distortion.
Suarez warned that China’s activities are not confined to maritime aggression but extend deeply into efforts to manipulate public opinion and influence elections.
“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.
Suarez also pointed to recent findings from a Senate inquiry confirming security reports that China is actively trying to interfere in the May 2025 midterm elections through coordinated disinformation and covert political backing.
“This is no longer speculation. China’s hand is trying to shape our future by propping up candidates who are weak on sovereignty. These candidates are not just naïve; they are dangerous. Leaders who are compromised by foreign interests have no business leading a free Filipino nation,” Suarez said.
He urged voters to reject candidates who cannot be trusted to stand up to foreign aggression and manipulation.
“This election is a choice between sovereignty and submission. The administration-backed Alyansa offers candidates who will never waver in defending our people and our future,” Suarez said.
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