Ka Leody: Marcos Jr.'s lack of stand in Russian-Ukraine conflict reeks of cowardice
Presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s remark that the country didn't have to make a stand on Russia's invasion of Ukraine reeked of cowardice, labor leader and fellow presidential aspirant Leody De Guzman has said.
In a statement, de Guzman stressed that being neutral in a situation where there is an oppressor and oppressed, is siding with the oppressors.
“Ang kawalan ng tindig ni Marcos Junior sa isyu ng gyera sa Ukraine ay kaparehas lang ng kaduwagan nito na humarap sa debate. Nakaugalian na talaga ng anak ng diktador na umiwas sa responsibilidad,” De Guzman said.
[Marcos’ lack of stance on the war in Ukraine is just the same as his cowardice to face debates. The dictator's son has a habit of escaping responsibility.]
GMA News Online has sought Marcos' comment on De Guzman's remark. It will be published when it is received.
De Guzman made the remark after Marcos said on Tuesday that it was not necessary to take a stand on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Marcos’ running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, said as a local chief executive, she would support and follow the stand of the national government on the matter.
“Bilang responsableng bahagi ng komunidad ng mga nasyon, tungkulin ng mga Pilipino at ng ating gobyerno na tumindig laban sa panghihimasok at pakikialam ng anumang kapangyarihan sa teritoryo't soberanya ng ibang bansa,” the labor leader said.
[As a responsible part of the community of nations, it is the duty of the Filipinos and our government to stand up against the invasion and interference of any power in the territory and sovereignty of other countries.]
De Guzman earlier urged the Duterte administration to be “non-aligned” despite the ongoing conflict between the Ukraine and Russia, and instead promote world peace.
He however emphasized that this non-alignment is different from the Uniteam’s “fake neutrality” on the issue as he is against the Ukraine invasion, as well as the interference of other countries like the United States and England which dictate the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
“Ang ‘non-alignment’ ay hindi pagkampi at hindi pagpapagamit sa mga imperyalistang gobyerno. Pagsandig ito sa ganap na karapatan sa sariling pagpapasya ng mga bansa, na ang pangunahing sinasaalang-alang ay ang kapakanan ng kanilang mga manggagawa't mamamayan,” he said.
[‘Non-alignment’ is being non-partisan and not being used by imperialist governments. It relies on the absolute right of other countries to decide for themselves, considering primarily the welfare of their workers and citizens.]
“Higit sa anumang bansa, ang Pilipinas, na may mahabang kasaysayan ng paglaban sa dayuhang mananakop, ay dapat tumindig upang bigyang-dangal ang kadakilaan ng ating mga ninuno,” he added.
[More than any country, the Philippines, which has a long history of resistance to foreign occupation, must stand up to honor the greatness of our ancestors.]
The Philippines on Monday voted yes to a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia's "unprovoked armed aggression" in Ukraine. —NB, GMA News