Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 18) — More than half of Filipinos favor stronger military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States to help address territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, a survey by OCTA Research showed.

Based on the “Tugon ng Masa” second quarter survey shared by OCTA fellow Guido David on Thursday, 14% said they were “very favorable” to strengthening and expanding the country’s military alliance with Washington, while 40% were “somewhat favorable,” or a total of 54%

Thirty-two percent of respondents said they weren’t sure, 9% answered “somewhat unfavorable,” and 2% “very unfavorable.”

OCTA explained that figures may not add up to 100% due to rounding off.

It also noted that the survey, which was conducted from July 22 to 26, had 1,200 respondents and has a ± 3% error margin.

Earlier this month, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the planned joint patrols of the Philippines and the United States in the disputed waters — where China has sweeping claims over — may happen within the next few months.

Beijing also offered to conduct joint military exercises with Manila, although officials are still studying the proposal. Malaya said the Philippines would need a visiting forces agreement with China for this to happen.