‘Phl Ready To Accept Ukrainian Refugees’

Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion of their country are welcome to take refuge in the Philippines, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Thursday, March 3.

In a text message, Guevarra said Ukrainians “are of course welcome in the Philippines for humanitarian reasons” when asked to comment on President Duterte’s Executive Order No. 163 signed on Feb. 28.

EO 163 seeks to institutionalize protection service for stateless people, refugees and asylum seekers. It also requires the establishment of an inter-agency committee – headed by the justice secretary – to supervise the task.

Thousands have fled Ukraine since Russia’s invasion earlier this week. The besieged European state is under martial law. No Ukrainian so far has applied for refugee status in the Philippines.

“So far, no Ukrainian citizen has sought asylum in the Philippines. But should there be any, his/her application for refugee status will be evaluated in accordance with our laws and the recently signed executive order,” Guevarra said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine embassy in Moscow has advised Filipinos in Russia to expect some difficulty in sending money to their loved ones in the Philippines as sanctions against Russia have severely affected the latter’s financial system.

“Because of this, we may experience minor issues with sending our money outside Russia, specifically to sustain our families,” the embassy said in a statement.

“The Embassy has received a letter from our bank, VTB, to focus on their work to keep their clients calm and feel a little bit of permissible in our daily financial transaction, especially in withdrawing money and transferring money abroad,” it said.

“In case you have experienced a few issues or difficulties in your normal financial transactions, we suggest you contact immediately with customer support of your bank so that you can be advised on how to cure your issue with your bank,” the embassy added. “You are their clients and have the right to be served properly, especially this is your money you worked hard (for) and trusted in the bank.”

Meanwhile, around 200 Filipino sailors are stranded at various ports in Ukraine particularly in Odessa, Chornomorsk, and Yuzhny, according to Ambassador to Hungary Frank Cimafranca.

"We've identified already as much as seven of these vessels that contacted us. But it's the relatives of some of them who got in touch with us," he said.

The Philippines voted “yes” to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution condemning Russia’s aggression and demanding that it “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.” More than 90 countries sponsored the resolution.

Only five countries – Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea and Syria – voted against it, while 35 abstained. – With Pia Lee-Brago, Rudy Santos