Walden Bello: Philippines should avoid taking sides in Russia-Ukraine conflict

Vice presidential aspirant Professor Walden Bello on Thursday said the Philippines should avoid taking sides amid the tension between Russia and Ukraine, but act fast to protect the Filipinos who want to leave Ukraine.

In a statement, Bello said the Philippines’ national interest is not at stake despite the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

“Despite strong US (United States) pressure, the Philippines must avoid taking sides in this conflict since no national interest is at stake,” he said.

“However, Manila must act immediately to protect our OFW’s (overseas Filipino workers) and other Filipino citizens, bringing those who wish to leave out of the country by all available means,” he added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said the Philippine government is already prioritizing the safety and welfare of Filipinos in Ukraine.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the DFA is already arranging the repatriation of Filipinos who want to go back to the Philippines due to the imminent security crisis in Ukraine.

Bello also urged the United Nations to ask Russia to stop its Ukraine invasion and “mediate a peace agreement” between Kyiv and Moscow.

“The Russian invasion of the Ukraine is not justified, but it is the predictable result of Washington’s efforts to bring NATO right to the borders of Russia following the collapse of the old Soviet Union and install a government friendly to the West in Kyiv,” he said.

According to a Reuters report, Russian President Vladimir Putin already ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.

The report said Putin has been working to restore Russia's influence over nations that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union, with Ukraine holding an important place in his ambitions. — Giselle Ombay/RSJ, GMA News