Several netizens and personalities criticized Bongbong Marcos’s recent statement regarding the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
On March 1, Marcos Jr was asked about his stand in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
According to him, there is no need to take a stand for now because the country is not involved.
“I don’t think there is a need to make a stand. Always neutral, if hindi naman involved and Philippine interest… That is the only time we take sides if our interest is at stake,” he said.
Ukraine, however, has more than 300 Filipino workers who are affected by the Russian invasion.
Marcos’ statement didn’t sit well with the netizens and other personalities.
Former PCGG Commissioner Ruben Carranza chided Marcos on his recent statement regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In his tweet, Carranza shared Desmond Tutu’s quote saying neutrality sides with the oppressor. He then applied it to Marcos’s stand saying the presidential candidate must be loving oppression.
“Desmond Tutu: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” 🇺🇦 Marcos/Duterte: “We ❤️ oppression.””
Desmond Tutu: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” 🇺🇦
Marcos/Duterte: “We ❤️ oppression.” pic.twitter.com/oeH8oRauIJ
— Ruben Carranza (@RCarranza_) March 2, 2022
Netizen @benok_castillo meanwhile taunted Marcos’s stand saying the presidential candidate [really] doesn’t understand geopolitics.
“At least it becomes clear that even when he says the word “geopolitics,” he really doesn’t understand it.”
At least it becomes clear that even when he says the word "geopolitics," he really doesn't understand it. https://t.co/ucMdkOQ07M
— Laurence Castillo (@benok_castillo) March 2, 2022
@_wastedwanderer asked Marcos if he ever took a stand against tyrants and bullies and if he always thought making a stand means instigating war.
“Question for@bongbongmarcos: Have you, at some point, taken any sort of stand against any tyrant or bully who would try to force their way on innocent people? Do you always think ‘taking a stand’ automatically means instigating a war with the other side?”
Question for @bongbongmarcos: Have you, at some point, taken any sort of stand against any tyrant or bully who would try to force their way on innocent people? Do you always think 'taking a stand' automatically means instigating a war with the other side?https://t.co/HW1izPDFIs
— The Wasted Wanderer (@_wastedwanderer) March 1, 2022
@TheNoypi meanwhile scored Marcos on his apathetic stand which only means that he’s an apathetic individual.
“Like what @ConstantKC said, this war might also inspire other superior countries to attack inferior countries just because they have the upper hand in war. If you are apathetic towards other countries at war because of a shitty reason. Then you are A-pathetic individual.”
https://twitter.com/TheNoypi/status/1498894263274598401
@pinoynamalaya blasted BBM’s remark saying he really doesn’t care about people cause what’s more important for him is to get back their power.
“Wala naman talagang pakialam si Marcos Jr sa kapuwa tao niya. Ginagamit niya lang ang apelyido at achievement ng ama para mauto ang mga tao at maibalik sa kanila ang kapangyarihan. Kapangyarihan lang gusto niyan para sa sarili niyang kapakanan.”
Wala naman talagang pakialam si Marcos Jr sa kapuwa tao niya. Ginagamit niya lang ang apelyido at achievement ng ama para mauto ang mga tao at maibalik sa kanila ang kapangyarihan. Kapangyarihan lang gusto niyan para sa sarili niyang kapakanan. https://t.co/HhBUc7KMcE
— Jon C.S.🎗️🇵🇭 (@pinoynamalaya) March 1, 2022
@letsgotomarx shared the same sentiment saying Marcos’ should have thought of the welfare of the country first before making statements.
“ay wow. wapakels lang kasi di tayo involve??? ano mangyayari pag tayo naman under attack tas sila wala lang din pake??? Nganga lang? Sana naman iniisip ang kapakanan ng bansa bago magsalita.”
ay wow. wapakels lang kasi di tayo involve??? ano mangyayari pag tayo naman under attack tas sila wala lang din pake??? Nganga lang? Sana naman iniisip ang kapakanan ng bansa bago magsalita. https://t.co/UHDy2O9hW8
— marx (@letsgotomarx) March 1, 2022
Meanwhile, contrary to Marcos Jr and of the President’s daughter and VP candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio’s neutral stance–the Philippine government has made a bold move in condemning the attacks of Russia.
The Philippines is one of the 141 countries that signed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution demanding Russia to cease the attacks on Ukraine immediately.
141 votes in favor of UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Philippines is one of them. https://t.co/0yrk8qDoJB
— Mike Navallo (@mikenavallo) March 2, 2022
