Why Philippines’ Marcos Jnr is openly showing ‘unwavering support’ for Ukraine

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s vocal support for Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion has drawn mixed reactions, with observers split on whether it signals a principled stand over shared values or calculated deference to US influence in the region.

To mark the 1,000th day since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on Wednesday, Marcos Jnr posted a message to his official social media accounts in which he recalled meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on June 3 and reiterated the Philippines’ “unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity”.

“It is our hope that we will see comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Ukraine is our valued partner, and our relations continue to go from strength to strength,” he added.

While the post received some supportive comments, a number of users criticised the president for involving the country in a far-off war and accusing him of being a “lapdog” and “weak”.

Jonathan Malaya, the assistant director general and official spokesman of the National Security Council, framed the president’s statements as a continuation of existing policy. “President Marcos Jnr merely reiterated the country’s support for Ukraine,” he told This Week in Asia on Thursday.