The Philippines has expressed concern over rapidly unfolding developments in Venezuela, warning of their implications for regional stability and the rules-based international order, even as it stopped short of directly condemning Washington’s actions.
In a statement issued on Monday (January 5, 2026), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said: “The Philippines views with concern the evolving events in Venezuela and their consequential impact on peace and stability in the region as well as on the rules-based international order.”
The DFA statement followed large-scale U.S. military strikes on Venezuela on January 3, during which American forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in an operation announced by U.S. President Donald Trump as a law-enforcement action tied to existing U.S. indictments.
While acknowledging Washington’s stated security concerns, Manila underscored core principles of international law.
“While acknowledging the United States’ underlying security considerations, the Philippines stresses the relevant principles of international law, including the independence and sovereign equality of states, the peaceful resolution of disputes, the prohibition against the threat or use of force, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states,” the DFA said.
The department also called on all parties to de-escalate tensions and safeguard civilians, including overseas Filipinos.
“The Philippines calls on concerned parties to respect international law, including the UN Charter, exercise restraint to prevent escalation of conflict, restore peace and order in Venezuela and promote the safety and well-being of all the people, including the Filipinos living in Venezuela and the surrounding countries,” it added.
The U.S. operation, which involved airstrikes around Caracas and the forcible transfer of Maduro to face charges in New York, has drawn sharp criticism from several governments and legal experts, many of whom argue that the action lacks justification under international law due to the absence of UN Security Council authorization or Venezuelan consent.
For the Philippines, the episode presents a delicate diplomatic balancing act. Manila relies heavily on international law to defend its maritime claims, particularly in the South China Sea, while also maintaining close security ties with the United States. Analysts note that high-profile breaches of sovereignty risk weakening the very legal norms that smaller states depend on in dealing with major powers.
On the economic front, Philippine officials assess that the immediate impact on local fuel supply is likely to be limited, as the country does not import Venezuelan crude. However, any sustained rise in global oil prices triggered by geopolitical uncertainty could still feed into higher transport costs and inflation in the months ahead.
For now, Manila’s response reflects caution — reaffirming legal principles, urging restraint, and avoiding direct confrontation — as it navigates the wider implications of a crisis that may reshape norms far beyond Latin America.