By Myris Lee
Incoming National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos said the administration of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will remain neutral in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Carlos, a retired professor of the University of the Philippines, said in Friday’s Laging Handa briefing that Russia might be able to supply the country with much-needed oil.
“Siguro we will take a mutual stance. Iyon naman talaga ang ginawa natin from the beginning, and we have a very robust relationship with Russia,” she said.
“Russia might be able to supply us with our much-needed oil and gas ‘no, kasi nandiyan lang ang Russia. Ang Russia nasa north natin iyan and they’re also pivoting to our area. We should take advantage of that,” she added.
The newly designated adviser shared that she would advise Marcos Jr. not to join the sanctions mechanism being imposed by the United States.
“Pero kung magbibigay ako ng advice sa President, it should be na hindi tayo puwedeng mag-join sa sanctions mechanism na ginagawa ng US,” she said.
Carlos said the incoming administration would “continue to file diplomatic protests” and engage in multilateral talks with other countries regarding the West Philippine Sea.
“We will continue to file diplomatic protest ‘no. Never mind that we are filing 10,000 of them because if you don’t, that means we acquiesce to the situation on the ground,” she said.
“It’s not only China who is laying claims to the contested South and East China Sea. Let’s just continue to talk because the alternative is something unacceptable to all of us,” she added. – ag
