Seven out of 10 Filipinos will not support pro-China candidates in the 2025 national elections, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey, commissioned by the think-tank Stratbase Group.
The survey, which was conducted on September 6 to 13, asked 1,200 respondents and had a ± 3 margin of error. It asked whether or not Filipinos will “support a candidate in the May 2025 national elections who is pro-China at present or in the past”.
Results show that a significant 73 percent of Filipinos said that they “will not support” pro-China candidates in May 2025. Only 5 percent of Filipinos said they “will support” pro-China candidates, while 23 percent “cannot say” whether or not they will support pro-China candidates.
“The sentiment among Filipinos reflects a profound mistrust toward candidates who align themselves with China. Many Filipinos feel that China’s actions, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, directly challenge our sovereignty and undermine our nation’s interests. This prevailing view is driven by both patriotic sentiment and a desire for leaders who will prioritize the Philippines’ long-term security and prosperity,” Manhit said.
“Electing pro-China candidates poses significant risks, as it will lead to policies that compromise our territorial integrity, economic interests. Such candidates will become direct conduits for Chinese influence, which can jeopardize our national security and further empower a state that has repeatedly disregarded our sovereign rights and the international rules-based-order. This is not just a political choice but a decision that can jeopardize our future and our nation’s standing in the global arena,” he added.
Most trusted partner in national development
Results from the same survey also show that only one percent of Filipinos believe that China is a trusted partner of the Philippines in terms of national development. The United States topped the survey on the most trusted partners of Philippines in national development with 79 percent, followed by Japan with 50 percent.
“Filipinos are right to question China’s role as a reliable development partner. Beyond the West Philippine Sea disputes, raging issues like the corrosive impact of POGOs and incidents involving alleged Chinese espionage, such as the case of Alice Guo, have further fueled distrust,” Manhit explained.
“Our people need trustworthy partners who respect our laws and our sovereignty. China’s actions have repeatedly contradicted these fundamental principles, casting doubt on their sincerity in supporting our national development goals,” he said.
Moreover, only seven percent of Filipinos believe that China is a beneficial economic partner for the Philippines. United States once again ranked first with 66 percent of Filipinos believing it is the most beneficial economic partner of the Philippines. This was followed by Japan with 43 percent, Australia with 32 percent, and Canada with 31 percent.
“The Philippines remains committed to strengthening its partnerships with like-minded nations such as the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, Great Britain, Republic of Korea, and India. These countries have proven to be dependable allies, not only in ensuring regional stability but also in fostering economic growth,” Manhit said.
“By collaborating with nations that share our democratic values, we can build a more resilient and prosperous Philippines under a rules-based world order that has sustainable the longest era of accelerating development and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” he also added.
