Meeting with the Liberal Party of the Philippines: security, solidarity, and the values of freedom

On 28 November 2025, the delegation of the Liberal Democratic League of Ukraine held a meeting in Manila with our long-standing like-minded partners from the Liberal Party of the Philippines – a political force that stood at the forefront of resisting Chinese expansionism, the Duterte regime, and systemic corruption.

The LDLU delegation included Vice President Yevheniia Fedotova, Head of the East Asia Office Mariia Makarovych, and Indo-Pacific Region Coordinator Viktoriia Pochapska.

The Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP) was represented by:
• fRep. Erin Tañada – President, LP;
• fRep. Kit Belmonte – Secretary General, LP;
• fRep. Blue Abaya – Vice President for International Affairs, LP;
• Addie Demafeliz – National Chairperson, Liberal Youth;
• Darren Calvelo – National Vice Chairperson for Internal Affairs, Liberal Youth;
• Hans Gabriel Empleo – National Vice Chairperson for External Affairs, Liberal Youth.

The dialogue was also joined by Kiko Aquino Dee, Executive Director of the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation and Co-convenor of Tindig Pilipinas.

During the meeting, the LDLU delegates shared up-to-date information on the political, societal, and security situation in Ukraine. Our partners, in turn, outlined key political processes and trends in the Philippines. Both sides highlighted the importance of deeper exchange of experience between our countries and the need for systematic cooperation among democratic parties.

Particular attention was devoted to the development of security infrastructure, new economic opportunities, and joint approaches to countering authoritarian regimes that threaten freedom and the rule of law globally.

The LDLU delegates also had the honour to join, as observers, an anti-corruption demonstration together with the Liberal Party team and the iconic champion of democracy – Rep. Leila de Lima, unlawfully imprisoned by the Duterte regime for her principles and resilience.

We are sincerely grateful to our Filipino partners for their support of Ukraine and their commitment to our shared values. We look forward to deepening our cooperation.

The LDLU delegation’s visit to Manila was supported by the International Renaissance Foundation within the framework of the project “Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific Region: Institutional Bridges.”