Manila, February 5, 2026. Cuban Ambassador Yadira Ledesma Hernández thanked the Filipino doctors who graduated in Cuba and the members of the Philippine-Cuban Friendship Society (PCFS) for the Society's Statement dated on February 3, 2026 condemning Trump's new executive order.
The text of the Philippine-Cuban Friendship Society Declaration reads:
As a medical graduate in Cuba, I strongly reject the new executive order by the Trump administration. The imposition of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba is seen as an escalation of aggression by the US, violating Cuba’s sovereign right to free trade. Trump’s move is clearly to cripple Cuba’s economy and healthcare system, exacerbating shortages of essential medicines, causing widespread power blackouts, fuel in extremely short supply and to down other services. Trump is also claiming that Cuba is a safe haven for Hamas and Hezbollah, which is nonsense even laughable. It’s a total lies! There are no such armed groups in Cuba, instead there are thousands of medical students from over 100 countries training to become well and respected doctors someday at the international Latin American School of Medicine in Havana.
During my stay in Cuba I have witnessed how the Cuban people live in a simple way and how they overcome the sanction and blockade imposed by U.S. to them. Despite of its hardship the people and the government never wavered their commitment to us, the foreign students.
They shared to us what is possible sometimes we felt we are very unkind for what they are extending to us should be enjoyed by them. Their efforts have made significant contributions to global healthcare, saving millions and improving health outcomes in developing countries.
That’s why all Trump’s accusations are just lies and baseless.
Up to the present time despite of the long time blockade imposed by the US Government Cuba continuously help and accept foreign students to study in different fields for free.
So that just like me after finishing Medicine and now as a practioner here in my own country, the Philippines I am proud to tell to my fellows and the whole world that Cuba and the Cuban People are for Peace, Friendship and Solidarity.
On this occasion, let us join hands and stand together to condemn Trump’s executive order that will only bring hardship to millions of Cubans and their government. Let us constantly promote awareness of the truth about Cuba!
Homeland or Death, we shall overcome!
Robert M. Corpuz
President
Philippine Cuban Friendship Society