The Philippine government said Monday, Jan. 5, that it acknowledges the United States’ “underlying security considerations” when it attacked Venezuela and deposed former president Nicolas Maduro over the weekend.
But the Philippine government, through a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), stressed that there are still “relevant principles of international law” that must be observed, including “the independence and sovereign equality of states, the peaceful resolution of disputes, the prohibition against the threat or use of force, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states.”
On Saturday, Jan. 3, Washington attacked Venezuela before announcing the capture of Maduro and his wife. The move came as US President Donald Trump accused Maduro, the Venezuelan president for a decade, of carrying out a campaign of deadly narco-terrorism against the US.
While several countries which already issued statements on the US’ purported invasion of Venezuela have already taken their stand on the move—either in support or in opposition—the Philippines, a staunch ally of the US, just called on both sides to respect international law.
On the other hand, several lawmakers called on President Marcos to “immediately issue a clear and unequivocal condemnation of US military aggression against Venezuela” as they cited “a violation of international law and assault on a sovereign nation.”
“The Philippines views with concern the evolving events in Venezuela and its consequential impact on peace and stability in the region as well as on the rules-based international order,” the DFA said.
“The Philippines calls on concerned parties to respect international law, including the UN Charter, exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict, restore peace and order in Venezuela, and promote the safety and well-being of all the people, including the Filipinos living in Venezuela and the surrounding countries,” it added.
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