Not an endorsement of genocide: Pangilinan, LP defend Leni Robredo meeting with Israeli envoy

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Senator Kiko Pangilinan and the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP) defended Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo over her meeting with Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh, saying that receiving a city guest does not mean an endorsement of genocide.

“Public officials have diplomatic responsibilities. Fulfilling these responsibilities doesn't mean they support the atrocities being committed,” Pangilinan said in a statement on Saturday.

“We continue to stand for the protection of human rights, especially of civilians, and accountability, including under international law,” he added.

Pangilinan was Robredo’s running mate during the 2022 presidential elections.

The LP echoed the senator’s sentiments, saying the public should be fair when making judgments.

“Walang naipakitang ebidensiya na sa pagtanggap sa embahador ay nagpahayag si Mayor Robredo ng pagsang-ayon sa mga operasyong militar ng Israel sa Gaza. Magkaiba ang pakikipag-ugnayang diplomatiko at pagsuporta sa mga patakaran ng isang pamahalaan,” the party said in a separate statement on Saturday.

(No evidence was presented that Mayor Robredo expressed support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza by receiving the ambassador. Diplomatic engagement is different from supporting a government’s policies.)

Robredo, a former vice president, welcomed Kursh during her courtesy visit at Naga City Hall on Oct. 5, 2026, which is part of the latter’s visit to the Bicol region.

The LP added it recognizes the public’s right to ask questions, criticize, and hold government officials accountable.

“Ngunit kaakibat ng karapatang ito ang responsibilidad na maging patas at tapat sa katotohanan. Sa mga usaping may kinalaman sa karapatang pantao, mahalagang maging malinaw ang ating mga prinsipyo at maingat sa ating mga paghatol,” the party said.

(However, this right comes with the responsibility to be fair and truthful. On issues involving human rights, it is important to be clear about our principles and careful in our judgments.)

The LP reiterated its stance on human rights, the safety of civilians, and accountability for violations of international law, which includes the rights of Palestinians to security, dignity, and self-determination.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants attacked Israel, prompting a military offensive by Israel in Gaza that killed and displaced thousands of Palestinians.

On the 2026 anniversary of the attack, Israel stepped up its air and ground offensive in Gaza with more attacks on Hamas militants and command posts on Monday.

For its part, Hamas said it struck Israel's commercial capital Tel Aviv with a missile salvo, setting off sirens in central Israel. Two people were lightly wounded, according to the Israeli ambulance service.

The Philippines has expressed its support for a two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian and Israeli conflict and stressed that it stands in solidarity with Palestine in their goal to achieve peace and prosperity.

"The Philippines’ support for the two-state solution has never wavered, and we firmly believe that genuine and enduring peace would not prevail in the Middle East without the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian State,” said then Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Leo Herrera-Lim.
—RF, GMA News

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