Lacson urges gov't to protect Filipinos in Ukraine

Partido Reporma standard-bearer Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson urged the government to take all necessary measures to protect Filipinos in Ukraine and any possible effects on the country's economy should Russia invade Ukraine.

He noted that there are some 380 Filipinos living in Ukraine, based on official figures from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Lacson stressed the need for contingency plans to address potential price hikes, supply chain disruptions, and the possible repatriation of Filipinos from Ukraine and neighboring countries.

Several other nations, including the US, Great Britain, and various European Union member states, have already advised their citizens to leave Ukraine.

The senator stated that the Philippine government should lose no time in preparing safety nets to protect Filipinos from a possible economic fallout caused by Russia's "imminent" invasion of Ukraine.

He warned that what is happening in Ukraine may create instability and other potential flashpoints in the world, including the Philippines' region.