On the heels of the US invasion of Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro, a pollster has released a survey showing that 82 percent of Filipino respondents expressed trust in the United States to come to the aid of the Philippines and protect its sovereignty.

The Pulse Asia survey, commissioned by the Stratbase Group and conducted from 12 to 15 December, showed the US far ahead of other countries trusted by Filipinos to help assert Philippine rights and safeguard its national interest.

Respondents were allowed to select up to five countries or organizations they trusted and believed the Marcos administration should work with to assert Philippine rights and protect the national interest.

The US topped the list, followed by Japan at 64 percent, Canada at 58 percent, and Australia at 51 percent.

The Pulse Asia survey covered 1,200 respondents nationwide and had a ±2.8 percentage point margin of error. Only 15 respondents did not respond.

Stratbase Group founder and CEO Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said the findings reflected a public that was fully aware of China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

Aggression condemned

Meanwhile, the minority bloc in the House of Representatives, led by Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio, condemned the recent aggression against Venezuela.

The minority Makabayan bloc, in a statement, dubbed the attack “sponsored terrorism,” saying it crossed the foundations of international law.

“The kidnapping of President Maduro was nothing short of state-sponsored terrorism. This was not just an attack on Venezuela — it was an attack on the very foundations of international law,” the bloc said.

For the minority group, the “attack” had no other intention but to take over the resources of Venezuela, emphasizing that it “exposed the true face of US foreign policy” with imperialist tendencies.

The bloc warned the US action against Venezuela could also affect the Philippines. It demanded that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issue a clear condemnation of the US over its actions in Venezuela.

PNP on alert

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed its units on alert for possible protests against the American government’s action.

PNP chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units are monitoring the United States Embassy in Manila and other critical locations for any demonstrations.

“We are prepared for any protest action and similar activities. Our police units, especially in Metro Manila and other urban areas, are monitoring the situation and will be ready to respond to any eventuality,” Nartatez told reporters on Monday.

Security has been tightened around the US Embassy and other sensitive areas, with additional police personnel deployed to strategic locations.