The recent United States military attack on Venezuela could have implications for the Philippines, particularly in the context of regional security and foreign policy alignment, Former National Security Adviser Dr. Clarita Carlos said.
Carlos made the remarks during an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos program, where she discussed how major powers such as China might respond following the U.S. action. She noted that China’s reaction was delayed and limited to condemnation, with no further escalation observed.
“Nanotice ko, ang tagal-tagal nag-react ng China. At noong nag-react sila, the usual, they condemned it, etc. But nothing beyond that.”
According to Carlos, China is expected to act strategically and avoid reckless actions in regions such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea, which she said also directly involve the Philippines.
She added that as a sovereign and independent country, the Philippines would be compelled to respond should any aggression be committed against it.
“I am sure tayo bilang independent, sovereign country, pag merong ginawang aggression, at hindi siguro malayong mangyari ‘yan sa atin, pero whatever aggressive actions will be undertaken here, ay dapat kumibo tayo.”
Carlos also pointed out that the Philippines is in a difficult position due to its close foreign policy alignment with the United States, noting that she had not seen a statement from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the time regarding the incident.
“We're in a bind right now because you know how President Bongbong's policy has been so close to... has been so linked to the U.S.”
During the interview, Carlos criticized the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) statement on the situation, saying it lacked strong language. She noted that several countries used the term “condemn” in their responses, whereas the Philippine statement did not explicitly denounce the U.S. action.
“Siguro kung ayaw nilang gamitin yung verb na condemn, sabihin nila is deeply concerned, about a clear violation of international law. Kasi, whatever, kahit saan mang anggulo tignan is a violation of international law.”
Carlos said the United States’ action in Venezuela should also be viewed in relation to its interest in securing access to minerals and rare earth resources found in Venezuela and other Latin American countries.
“This is really Trump saying that ‘we want to be self-sufficient in minerals, in rare earth’, na meron ang Venezuela and other Latin-American countries so that we don't have to rely on others. And the others would be China, particularly.”
In a statement dated January 5, 2026, the DFA said the Philippines “views with concern” the evolving events in Venezuela and their impact on peace, stability, and the rules-based international order.
The DFA said it acknowledges the United States’ underlying security considerations but stressed the principles of international law, including respect for state sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes, and non-interference in domestic affairs.
The department also called on all concerned parties to exercise restraint, prevent the escalation of conflict, restore peace and order in Venezuela, and ensure the safety and well-being of civilians, including Filipinos living in Venezuela and neighboring countries.
