DABAWENYOS think the Philippines should stay neutral in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to a survey by the University of Mindanao-Institute of Popular Opinion (UM-IPO).

The survey, conducted on March 22 to 27, 2022, showed that eight out of 10 Dabawenyos responded that the country should be neutral (77 percent), and seven of 10 (73.9 percent) Dabawenyos believed that the next president should also remain neutral.

This coincides with the recent pronouncements of President Rodrigo Duterte on pursuing an independent foreign policy and neutrality of the country, despite his deep concern on the fate of Ukraine and its citizens, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin failing to arrive in consensus to the former’s impending North Atlantic Treaty Organizations (Nato) membership.

According to the survey, Dabawenyos were divided in their perception when asked on what country/countries is at fault in the current state of military occupation of Russia in Ukraine.

Four of 10 Dabawenyos blamed Nato countries, wherein the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and the European Union (EU) are notable country members.

Also, nearly three of 10 Dabawenyos blamed the Russian Federation, while two of 10 said that Ukraine was at fault in the war.

On whether Russia invading Ukraine is acceptable or not, four of 10 Dabawenyos believed that Russia invading Ukraine is not the right thing to do, while nearly four of 10 Dabawenyos said that war with Ukraine should be the last resort or option.

When asked whether Russia needs to improve relations with the West (US, EU, and UK), four of 10 Dabawenyos expressed agreement while two of 10 Dabawenyos see it as a necessity. However, there are about two of 10 Dabawenyos who seemed to have an opposite stance on Russia having cordial relationships with the West.

Dabawenyos were also asked on the relevance of the tussle between Russia and Ukraine to the Philippines.

Eight of 10 Dabawenyos believed that the war affected the Philippines on varying yet significant levels. Proof of such effect could be seen in the sudden skyrocketing of oil and gas prices in the country in the recent weeks, attributed to the spike of global crude oil price per barrel.

A further inferential analysis revealed that Dabawenyos exhibiting higher educational attainment and household income have the likelihood to express concern on the effects of Russia-Ukraine war to the country’s state of affairs.

Duterte said during the inauguration of the New Leyte Provincial Government Complex on March 19 that it will not send Filipino soldiers to fight alongside American forces should the US be drawn further into the raging Russia-Ukraine conflict, insisting the Philippines should maintain its neutrality.

The President also hoped that the conflict between two countries “will not really go out of control.” This is because the world knows Russia has a nuclear arsenal.

Davao City Mayor and vice-presidential candidate Sara Duterte-Carpio also said the country should remain neutral unless the national interest is at risk.

“The only time we should take sides if our interest is at risk pero pag hindi naman at risk ang interest natin (but if our national interest is not at risk), we should always be neutral,” Duterte-Carpio said in a press conference on February 28.