‘Far-away’ Ukraine can affect PH too – Lacson

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.(File photo by VOLTAIRE F. DOMINGO / Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Sunday urged the Philippine government to immediately make plans to secure the Filipinos living there and prepare for the economic fallout in case of war.

“We might think that Ukraine is far away and that there is no danger for the Philippines. [But] we are all living in a global village,” said the chair of the Senate national defense and security committee.

“An invasion of Ukraine may adversely affect the stock markets all over the world. Prices of basic commodities and fuel may increase. We need to be prepared for this, not to mention that we are still suffering from the pandemic and are far from economic recovery,” Lacson said in a statement.

An escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict would have adverse effects worldwide, he warned.

“We hope that there are contingency plans for increases in prices, disruptions in supply chains and possible repatriation of Filipinos not just in Ukraine but in neighboring countries,” Lacson said.

The senator cited reports indicating that the United States had escalated its warnings about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, adding it might even take place “within days.”

Lacson also inquired about the situation of about 380 Filipinos living in Ukraine, noting that the United States, United Kingdom and other countries, like Estonia, were already asking their citizens to leave Ukraine within the next 48 hours.

“I would like to know what preparations are being made for them in the event that war breaks out,” he said.

“What is happening in Ukraine may create instability in other potential flashpoints in the world including that of our region,” Lacson said.

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