Sherwin Gatchalian said on Tuesday that while the United States’ alleged “aggression” in Venezuela has no direct economic impact on the Philippines, it could set a precedent that may embolden other global powers such as China, Russia, and even India.

“Economically and historically, [walang effect] kasi ang trade relations natin with South America, zero (Economically and historically, I see no effects. Because our trade relations with South American countries are basically zero),” Gatchalian said during a press briefing on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

He added that the Philippines does not import oil from Venezuela, despite the South American nation’s vast oil reserves, meaning local oil prices are unlikely to be affected.

“But on a geopolitical side, maraming bansa ngayon ang ma-e-embolden. Kung kaya palang gawin ng America, kaya namin gawin ito. From a geopolitical standpoint, it’s another uncertainty (But on a geopolitical side, a lot of countries could feel emboldened. They would think, if the US could do it, then we can too. From a geopolitical standpoint, it’s another uncertainty),” he continued.

“Pwedeng maka-encourage sa China, Russia, being superpower [countries]. Even India, an emerging superpower. Yung nangyari kasi it’s a regime change by force, not by an election (It could encourage China and Russia, superpower countries. Even India, an emerging superpower country. What happened in Venezuela was a regime change by force and not by an election),” he added.

The remarks came after deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro appeared before a Manhattan court on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges, two days after being seized by US forces in a raid at his home in Caracas.

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said in a weekend press conference that the United States would now “run” Venezuela until the country transitions to a new government.