Ka Leody urges Duterte to be ‘non-aligned’ in Russia-Ukraine conflict

Presidential candidate Leody de Guzman on Thursday urged the Duterte administration to remain uninvolved amid the tension between Russia and Ukraine.

In a statement, de Guzman asked President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to be “non-aligned” despite the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and instead promote world peace.

“Iwasan dapat ng administrasyong Duterte ang magpahiwatig ng anumang pagsuporta at manatiling non-aligned. Bagkus, dapat manindigan tayo bilang isang bansa para sa pandaigdigan kapayapaan at pakikipagkapatiran ng mga bansa ng daigdig,” he said.

(The Duterte administration must refrain from expressing any support and remain non-aligned. Rather, we must stand as a nation for world peace and unity of all countries.)

He added that the government should focus on saving the Filipinos affected in Ukraine and monitor the possible spike in oil prices. He said that Section 14 of the Oil Deregulation Law should be used to control and regulate the industry amid an emergency situation.

The labor leader also maintained his position that he is not in favor of war as it only caters to companies making firearms and other weapons, while the masses suffer its adversities.

“Naniniwala ako na hindi katanggap-tanggap ang lahat ng klase ng pananakop at pakikialam sa isang soberanyang bansa ng mga nagbabanggaang imperyalistang interes,” he said.

(I believe that all forms of invasion and interference in a sovereign country by conflicting imperialist interests are unacceptable.)

De Guzman’s running mate Professor Walden Bello also 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.

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.—LDF, GMA News