The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), urged the international community to reaffirm its commitment to settle disputes peacefully amid Russia's ongoing military invasion of Ukraine.
"The Philippines calls on the international community to reaffirm by more than words its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes," the DFA said in a statement on Friday, Feb. 25.
"We recall the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes which provides the legal framework for recourse to diplomacy, dialogue, and rule of law," it continued.
"In the present crisis, where the situation is not irreversible and there is no compelling reason for any of the protagonists to resort to hostile actions, turning to the Manila Declaration is the pragmatic and decent way to go," the DFA added.
The DFA likewise urged all parties "to exert every effort to stick to diplomatic and peaceful means to maintain international peace and security and avert a humanitarian crisis".
The Manila Declaration, according to the UN, is a landmark instrument on the peaceful settlement of international disputes and reaffirms that all States shall refrain from threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State.
It also reiterates that no State or group of States has the right to intervene, directly or indirectly in the internal affairs of any other States.
In addition, it outlines several means for dispute settlement, including negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional arrangements or agencies, or other peaceful means of their own choice.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres earlier made a direct plea to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the assault in Ukraine "in the name of humanity".
"President Putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to Russia," Guterres said.
"In the name of humanity, do not allow to start in Europe what could be the worst war since the beginning of the century... The conflict must stop now," he added.