Philippines Ambassador Rules Out Sanctions Against Russia

The Philippines will not impose sanctions on RUSSIA, Philippine Ambassador to Moscow Igor Bailen told RIA Novosti.

“I don’t think the Philippines will join EU sanctions against Russia or otherwise support them, I haven’t heard of that,” Bailen said.

Back in June 2022, National Security Adviser to the President of the Philippines, Clarita Carlos, stated that the country should remain neutral in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and not join Western sanctions. Carlos also noted that the Philippines has a very strong relationship with Russia.

At the same time, in July of the same year, the Philippines refused to buy 16 Russian Mi-17 military transport helicopters for fear of falling under US sanctions , the Associated Press reported, citing officials. The contract for 12.7 billion Philippine pesos (about $228 million) was signed in 2021 and an advance payment was made, but the deal was canceled in June 2022.

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said the deal was canceled due to fears of violating the Countering America's Adversaries Act (CAATSA), which could put countries cooperating with Russian businesses under US sanctions.