ADVOCATES of Philippine-Cuban relations are questioning why the Philippines has not supported a United Nations resolution seeking an end to the United States trade embargo against Cuba.
On Oct. 28, 2026, the UN General Assembly adopted its 34th annual nonbinding resolution calling for an end to the US economic embargo against Cuba by a vote of 130–17, with 25 abstentions. This result reflects a notable drop in international support compared to the 2025 resolution (165–7, with 12 abstentions), though the measure remains symbolic as only the US Congress has the authority to repeal the laws enforcing the restrictions.
In a press conference, Philippines-Cuba Cultural and Friendship Association coordinator Gina dela Cruz and Partido Manggagawa representative Wilson Fortaleza urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to explain the Philippine government's position on the issue.
This comes as the Philippines and Cuba mark the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
The two said that the Philippines had traditionally voted in favor of the annual Cuban-sponsored resolution.
Meanwhile, Virginia Lacsa Suarez, of Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya at Kaisaka, and Luke Espiritu, president of Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, said the embargo had severely affected Cuba's trade relations, and its procurement of raw materials, as well as medicines.
Despite the restrictions, they said Cuba was able to continue its own research on biotechnology, medicine, agriculture, and disaster response. The country, they added, even managed sending medical personnel to poorer countries.
Fortaleza said the Philippines' withdrawal of its support for the resolution may be largely due to US pressure over the proposed Pax Silica deal.
Espiritu criticized the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for what he described as excessive dependence on the US, noting the Philippines' action reflected a broader disregard for national sovereignty and an independent foreign policy.
The groups urged the Philippine government to reconsider its position in future UN deliberations and promote constructive dialogues for peaceful relations between the US and Cuba.
