However since the trust question came after a series of questions related to the West Philippine Sea, I believe that the answers on trust in China were heavily influenced by the answers to these prior queries. Eighty-four percent (84%) oppose the government’s inaction on China’s intrusion in the claimed territories. Eighty-seven percent (87%) say it is important that the Philippines remains control of the islands occupied by China in the West Philippine Sea. In terms of awareness, eighty-nine percent (89%) are aware of the West Philippine Sea conflict while sixty-five percent (65%) are aware of China’s abuses of Filipino fishermen. It would seem that the respondents were more concerned with the Duterte adminstration’s seeming inability to protect and defend Philippine territorial integrity.

Salazar, M., Jr. (2018, November 26). Trusting China. Manila Bulletin, p. 12.