House leaders on Tuesday hailed the latest OCTA Research survey showing that Filipinos overwhelmingly distrust China, view it as the greatest threat to the Philippines, and demand a strong defense of the country’s 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.
“The message is very clear: Filipinos do not trust China and want their leaders to fight for the WPS. This is a mandate from the people, and we must respond to it with courage, determination and unity,” 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 added.
Khonghun, whose province lies at the frontline of Chinese incursions, said the survey reflects the frustration of coastal communities.
“Our fishermen have been oppressed in their own waters for a long time. Now, the whole country is sharing their anger. This is no longer a local matter but a national fight for honor and safety,” he pointed out.
“The entire Philippines is now asking what the people of Zambales have been asking for a long time: enough is enough. Every inch of our sea must be defended,” Khonghun continued.
Adiong emphasized 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. “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 three percentage points.
