Most Filipinos won't back pro-China candidates in 2025 polls – survey

MANILA, Philippines — Most Filipinos are opposed to supporting electoral candidates with pro-China agendas, a survey found.

Conducted from September 6 to 13, the Pulse Asia survey asked 1,200 respondents whether they would support candidates who currently favor China or have done so in the past for the 2025 midterm elections.

Around seven in 10 Filipinos answered that they “will not support” pro-China candidates, while only 5% said they would. Nearly one-fourth of Filipinos (23%) are still on the fence about the issue.

Although still small in number, Mindanao exhibited the highest support for pro-China candidates among all regions, with one in 10 Filipinos in the area stating they would offer their support.

Despite this, majority of respondents from Mindanao (74%) said they will not support pro-China candidates. 

In the National Capital Region and Balance Luzon (outside Metro Manila), only 3% of Filipinos indicated they would stand by pro-China candidates. This figure is even lower in the Visayas, where just 2% of respondents expressed their support.

Clearly decisive, at least eight in 10 Filipinos in Metro Manila and the Visayas stated they have no plans to support candidates who curry favor with China.

In contrast, respondents from Balance Luzon are less certain, with 32% indicating they "cannot say."

Regarding socioeconomic classes, the survey found that more Filipinos from the upper, upper-middle, and middle classes would back pro-China candidates compared to those in the lower-middle class, which comprises only 5% of respondents, and 2% from the lower class.

However, around one in four Filipinos in the lower-middle and lower classes, remain undecided as to where they stand. 

According to Stratbase CEO Dindo Manhit, the findings reflect the growing mistrust among Filipinos toward China due to the continuous intrusion of Chinese vessels into Philippine territorial waters and their attacks on local boats.

"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.

Among the countries listed in the survey regarding which nations Filipinos trust most to