The Manila Times ran an article on the results of Pahayag's survey.
According to the article, Filipinos were asked which country or region they trust the most, and Japan is the most trustworthy country.
The chart below is a graphical representation of the survey results.
Japan is "very trustworthy" at 55% and "fairly trustworthy" at 37%. Japan is "very trustworthy" (55%) and "fairly trustworthy" (37%), resulting in 92% of respondents trusting Japan.
This is followed by ASEAN, Australia, Canada, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
By region, trust in Japan is highest in Metropolitan Manila and Luzon Island, while the Visayas region, including Cebu Island, has a 91% trust rate.
During the Pacific War, Japan occupied the Philippines, an American colony, and many Filipinos suffered.
This year marks 78 years since the war ended. During this period, relations between Japan and the Philippines have remained good, helped by the tolerance of the Filipino people. I believe that the result of this relationship is reflected in this survey.
Furthermore, about 70% of respondents said that the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the Philippine Armed Forces should conclude a "Status of Forces Agreement on Visits".
Conversely, China is the least trusted.
On the contrary, 79% of respondents see China as a threat.
This survey was conducted in March of this year.
Recently, an incident in which a Chinese maritime patrol vessel fired a water cannon toward the Philippine Coast Guard has become a major problem.
If the survey were conducted now, the percentage of respondents who consider China a threat would be even higher.
I believe that Japan needs to continue its efforts not only to live up to the trust of the Filipino people, but also to strengthen and deepen the friendship established by its predecessors.
