By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday welcomed the results of a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing high public trust in the Philippines’ “like-minded partners.”
In a statement, the DND said the survey is proof that Filipinos are “aware of the realities facing our country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and sovereign rights.”
“The overwhelming public approval for our like-minded partners legitimizes our efforts and affirms our position to pursue convergence in the defense of the rules-based international order,” it added.
Based on the results of the nationwide survey conducted from June 25 to 29 on 1,200 adult respondents, the United States scored a “very good” net trust at +63.
Japan and Australia, meanwhile, earned “good” net trust scores at +43 and +37, respectively.
The U.S., Japan and Australia are the most vocal countries in expressing support for the Philippines’ stance in the West Philippine Sea.
“The Defense Department remains committed to our mandate of protecting our territorial integrity, sovereignty, and sovereign rights,” the DND said. (PNA)
