PH ready to back US if Russia-Ukraine war spills over to Asia – envoy

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) – Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Manila is ready to assist Washington should the war between Russia and Ukraine reach Asia.

In a media briefing on Thursday, Romualdez said President Rodrigo Duterte is very concerned about the situation in Europe.

He also said the President even offered the country's facilities for use by the country's long-time military ally.

"He says if they are asking for the support of the Philippines, he was very clear that push comes to shove the Philippines would be ready to support especially if this Ukrainian crisis spills over to Asian region," Romualdez said.

"He offered that the Philippines would be ready to open its doors especially to our ally the United States in using our facilities or any facilities that they may need," the ambassador added.

The Philippines has an existing Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States, which calls for both countries to defend each other in case of an armed attack.

"We have the MDT with the United States and we have a special relationship and military alliance with them. I assume he meant the use of facilities like Clark for instance for the aircraft, supplies and fighter jets. There's also Subic where the US Navy could come in," Romualdez said.

Romualdez said he recently met with Duterte in Manila and the Russia-Ukraine conflict was brought up.

"Give them the assurance whatever the facilities or whatever the United States may need…in using the facilities of the Philippines without any restrictions," the ambassador quoted the President as saying.