Manila, Sept. 10 -- The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday welcomed the results of a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey showing high public trust in the Philippines' "like-minded partners."

In a statement, the DND said the survey is proof that Filipinos are "aware of the realities facing our country's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and sovereign rights."

"The overwhelming public approval for our like-minded partners legitimizes our efforts and affirms our position to pursue convergence in the defense of the rules-based international order," it added.

Based on the results of the nationwide survey conducted from June 25 to 29 on 1,200 adult respondents, the United States scored a "very good" net trust at +63....