Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines is not taking a neutral stance on the Middle East conflict as it is cautious on the safety of Filipinos in the region, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said on Wednesday, March 25.
Speaking at a news forum, Lazaro said the country’s support goes to the statements of international bodies such as the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization on the strikes by the US and Israel, and Iran’s retaliation.
“When it comes to our OFWs )overseas Filipino workers) numbering 2.5 million, we just want to be sure that they are also protected,” she said.
“Even our political thinking must be weighed heavily because sila yung iniisip natin — na malayo sila from harm’s way,” she added.
[Translation: Even our political thinking must be weighed heavily because they are who we think about — that they are far from harm’s way.]
Lazaro said while the country is cautious and not co-sponsoring a resolution, it is possible to channel the stance through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) of which it is the chairman.
“It can be, it can happen, it can be done,” said Lazaro when asked about the possibility of ASEAN foreign ministers filing a joint resolution with the UN to call for an end to hostilities in the Middle East.
The DFA chief said the country maintains diplomatic relations with Iran.
In his first State of the Nation Address in 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the independent foreign policy anchored on being “a friend to all and enemy of none” has proven effective.
“We have embarked on foreign trips to promote the interests of the country, for peace-building and for mutually beneficial purposes,” the president said.
