MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos who finished college, including those with post-graduate degrees, are more likely to support the Philippines’ case against China over the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Up to 93% of college graduates among a survey’s respondents, in fact, agree with the Philippine government in filing a historic case against China before a United Nations (UN) tribunal.

Less educated Filipinos are more inclined to disagree, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS) Social Weather Report for the 4th quarter of 2013.

The SWS provided the following breakdown of other Filipinos who “strongly or somewhat agree” with the government in filing the case: 

• Those who finished some years in college – 85%

• Those who finished some years in high school – 76%

• Those who finished some years in elementary – 69%

The breakdown of those who “somewhat or strongly disagree” is as follows:

• Those who finished college or post-graduate studies – 3%

• Those who finished some years in college – 7%

• Those who finished some years in high school – 11%

• Those who finished some years in elementary – 11%

This profile of supporters of the Philippines’ claim emerged Monday, February 10, after the SWS released the results of a survey commissioned by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

‘Lawful means’ OK

The survey showed that across the Philippines, regardless of educational level, 82% of respondents agree that the Philippines should file the case.

This profile is consistent when it comes to respondents’ opinions on the sea dispute.

When asked “whether the Philippines should defend the territory and natural resources in the West Philippine Sea through lawful means,” 98% of college graduates said yes. For the rest, the breakdown of those who said “yes” is as follows: 

• Those who finished some years in college – 96%

• Those who finished some years in high school – 90%

• Those who finished some years in elementary – 84%

When asked “whether the international law is a great equalizer against countries that are stronger militarily and economically,” 85% of college graduates said yes. The breakdown of others who said “yes” is as follows:

• Those who finished some years in college – 82%

• Those who finished some years in high school – 71%

• Those who finished some years in elementary – 62%

More educated, more aware

Levels of awareness on the dispute show a similar trend. The higher a person’s educational attainment, the more aware he or she is about the territorial row.

Up to 91% of college graduates claim to be “previously” aware about the dispute. Among those with lower educational levels, fewer Filipinos make this claim:

• Those who finished some years in college – 82%

• Those who finished some years in high school – 64%

• Those who finished some years in elementary – 47%

When asked if they had been “previously aware” that the Philippines filed a case against Chian before the UN, 79% of college graduates said yes. The breakdown for the rest is as follows:

• Those who finished some years in college – 71%

• Those who finished some years in high school – 49%

• Those who finished some years in elementary – 35%

The survey came a little over the year after Philippines on Jan 22, 2013 announced it will file a case against China over the West Philippine Sea dispute. (READ: PH lawyer on China: Being ‘int’l outlaw’ has its price)

China has repeatedly rejected this move.

The tribunal to hear the case held its first meeting in July 2013. The Philippine side expects it to issue a ruling by mid-2015.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, who compared China to Hitler, said the core of the issue is that China’s position violates international law. – Rappler.com