President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his oathtaking at the National Museum. Image from PCOO / Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — Newly sworn-in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday warned of “dark prospect of conflict” if “great powers” take the “wrong lessons” from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In his inaugural speech at the National Museum in Manila, Marcos said countries like the Philippines bear the brunt of wars abroad even though it seeks friendship with all.
“We face prospects of the spread of the war abroad of which we are totally blameless. We seek friendship with all but countries like ours will bear the brunt of it and if the great powers draw the wrong lessons from the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine, the same dark prospect of conflict will spread to our part of the world,” he said.
“Yet, there is more out there like going forward by new ways of doing the pandemic that forces us to adapt. A stronger resilience, quicker adaptability, they are our best prevention, they are our best protection,” Marcos added.
Earlier this month, Marcos said he would maintain an “independent policy” on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
That was according to the Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Marat Pavlov after his courtesy visit to the 17th president of the country.
In March, during the campaign period, Marcos said there was no need for the Philippines to take a stand amid the raging Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He then backpedaled and called on Russia to give due regard to Ukraine’s sovereignty and the safety of its people.
