President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stressed on Monday that the Philippines could be directly affected including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) if tensions in the Taiwan Strait escalate into conflict.
Speaking during a press conference, Marcos said the country’s strategic location near Taiwan, along with the presence of around 200,000 Filipinos living and working there, places the Philippines in a vulnerable position.
“In the Philippines, we do not have a choice (not to be involved) because Taiwan is so close to the Philippines and we have almost 200,000 Filipino nationals living and working in Taiwan,” he said, according to Jiji Press.
He added that protecting and evacuating OFWs would become one of the government’s top priorities should armed conflict erupt.
“The Philippines continues to push for the peaceful resolution of disputes between China and Taiwan, while maintaining that we would not intervene militarily in the issue,” Marcos reiterated.
Marcos is also expected to meet Japanese Minister Sanae Takaichi during his visit to Japan next week.
Meanwhile, former Philippine Army Vice Commander Leodevic B. Guinid explained that the country could serve as a staging ground for military operations.
“Our country may serve as a staging ground for military operations and as the nearest refuge point for evacuees. However, the Philippines would still need support from allies, including Taiwan, Japan, and the United States,” Guinid said.
Philippine security analysts and observers likewise noted that, in the event of conflict, the Luzon Strait could quickly become a key route for military surveillance, naval activity, and possible evacuation operations, potentially affecting the country’s airspace and maritime security.
“Contingency plans are already being studied as the government prepares noncombatant evacuation operations in advance if the situation worsens,” an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) official said.
Last year, officials from Taiwan and the Philippines said the Philippine Coast Guard conducted joint patrols with Taiwanese counterparts in the Bashi Channel, according to The Washington Post.
Taiwan also reportedly sent Navy and Marine Corps personnel to observe the 2025 Kamandag exercises led by U.S. and Philippine Marines, with a government adviser noting that Taiwanese officers participated in tabletop planning activities.
The adviser said, “Our security and military cooperation with the Philippines is going to get closer and closer.”
These developments followed the 2026 Balikatan exercises held from April 20 to May 8, which involved more than 17,000 troops from the United States, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The exercises focused on air defense, live-fire drills, and counter-landing operations.
Written by Crecedes Danao
Crecedes Danao is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
