Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (leftl), Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (MANILA BULLETIN/Facebook)

Senatorial candidate Panfilo "Ping" Lacson has praised the way Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acted in front of United States (US) President Donald Trump during the two western leaders' meeting in Washington last week.

Lacson, a former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, said he admired Zelenskyy for publicly standing his ground during the meeting with Trump, even if the US is a powerful and strong nation.

He noted such a stand earned Zelenskyy the admiration and support of other world leaders.

"Zelenskyy's demeanor and actions in defending his country were praiseworthy," Lacson, a member of the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate, said in Filipino Thursday, March 7 during a radio interview.  

Lacson said Philippine leaders and heroes have stood up to invaders and colonizers in the same way Zelenskyy refused to be cowed by the American president, for his people's sake.

Ukraine is at war with Russia, which in February 2022 launched a full-scale invasion.

The Trump administration is reportedly looking to cut military aid to Kiev. 

"I do hope and trust that our president - not just President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but all other presidents - have stood up to foreign powers during the time of the Spaniards, Japanese and Americans. They all fought for our sovereignty and freedom," Lacson said.

"We have experienced this and I trust that regardless of who the bully is, our leaders will stand up for us," added the former senator. 

He says the Philippines is presently standing up to bullying by China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)

Using the "balance of power" tactic or allying with militarily powerful countries, the Philippines has kept Chinese encroachment in check.