Philippines Faces Critical Test on US-Israel Attack Against Iran
The Philippines and its government should not hesitate to condemn the unprovoked and illegal military assault on Iran conducted by the United States and Israel. Regardless of opinions about Iran's theocratic regime, which has maintained power since the 1979 revolution, its longevity demonstrates substantial domestic support. This regime survived Saddam Hussein's brutal eight-year war and numerous direct and covert military strikes, primarily from the United States, without losing its legitimacy established through a popular uprising and national referendum.
Rejection of Western Ideals and International Law Violations
While it may challenge Western nations to comprehend, the Iranian people consciously rejected secularization in favor of their ancient cultural and religious traditions. More importantly, the recent US-Israel military actions blatantly violate international law. The Global South and even some reluctant Western nations recognize this transgression.
The United Nations Charter forms the bedrock of modern international law, prohibiting attacks between nations except under UN authorization or legitimate self-defense. Since the UN did not approve the February 28th attack, self-defense remains the only possible justification. However, international legal standards require clear evidence of an imminent threat for preemptive self-defense, which appears absent in this case.
Illegal Regime Change and Disproportionate Response
US and Israeli officials have openly expressed desires for regime change in Iran, with strikes targeting the Supreme Leader. International law explicitly prohibits using military force to overthrow foreign governments, regardless of political disagreements. Furthermore, critics argue the massive, multi-day bombing campaign across Iran represents disproportionate retaliation, exceeding what international humanitarian law permits even if concerns about Iranian proxy groups were valid.
Philippine Stakes in Upholding International Order
If the Philippine government refuses to condemn these actions, it effectively disregards the UN Charter and rejects the rules-based international order. This position dangerously undermines Manila's legal arguments for legitimizing and defending its West Philippine Sea claims. The Philippines has compelling national interests in immediately ending this conflict.
Filipinos would struggle with inevitable oil price surges, while repatriating over two million overseas Filipino workers from the Middle East would eliminate approximately $5.7 billion in annual remittances that the Philippine economy cannot afford to lose. The Philippines must demonstrate moral courage by supporting international law and doing what is right, regardless of powerful nations' actions.
