Bongbong Marcos changes mind, joins call for Russia to respect Ukraine's freedom

Three days after saying the country should not take a stand on Russia-Ukraine conflict, presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has now joined all other nations in calling on Russia to respect Ukraine's freedom and its citizens' democratic way of life.​

"I appeal for sobriety to prevail, for a peaceful resolution to the on-going armed conflict as I stand united with the rest of the world for Russia to respect Ukraine's freedom and its citizens’ democratic way of life," Marcos Jr. said.

On Tuesday night, Marcos Jr. told reporters in an ambush interview that there was no need for the government to take a stand on the matter because "we are not involved, except for our nationals."

But in a statement Friday, he said he now supports "the unconditional observance of human rights."

Marcos Jr. also said he "fervently hope that there will be no more targeting of civilian communities and civilian establishments."