Philippine lawmakers say US move on Venezuela complicates Manila’s rules-based stance

Critics said the US operation has undercut Manila’s claim to principled diplomacy, given its close alliance with Washington

Reading Time:4 minutes

Protesters hold signs outside the US embassy in Manila on Monday during a rally opposing Washington’s military action in Venezuela following the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 8:31pm, 5 Jan 2026Updated: 7:58am, 6 Jan 2026

The Philippines’ long-standing alliance with the United States has come under fresh scrutiny after Washington’s move against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, with critics in Manila warning the action had complicated the country’s claim to champion a rules-based international order.

Opposition lawmakers and analysts said the US operation, which resulted in Maduro being captured and brought to the United States to face charges, had left the Philippines “compromised” and exposed to charges of double standards, as it invokes international law in disputes with China while Washington is accused of disregarding those same principles elsewhere.

The tension is especially acute as Manila serves as this year’s chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), a role that amplifies scrutiny of a country widely viewed as Washington’s closest security ally in the region.

The Philippine government responded cautiously. In a brief statement issued on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs expressed “concern over evolving events in Venezuela”.

Protesters hold a banner outside the US embassy in Manila on Monday during a rally opposing Washington’s military action in Venezuela following the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro. Photo: EPA-EFE

While acknowledging America’s “security considerations”, the department said the Philippines “stresses the relevant principles of international law, including the independence and sovereign equality of states, prohibition against the threat or use of force, and non-interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign states”.

Outside the US embassy in Manila on Monday, a small but vocal rally of demonstrators protested Washington’s military action in Venezuela, carrying signs denouncing the US intervention and calling for respect for national sovereignty.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x

Philippine lawmakers say US move on Venezuela complicates Manila’s rules-based stance

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Critics said the US operation has undercut Manila’s claim to principled diplomacy, given its close alliance with Washington

Critics said the US operation has undercut Manila’s claim to principled diplomacy, given its close alliance with Washington