MANILA: The Philippines has sought protected passage for desperately wanted oil shipments in a gathering with Iran, a presidential spokeswoman mentioned on Wednesday (Apr 1), because the import-dependent archipelago jockeys with other regional countries for fuel.
The value of gas has hit historic highs within the Philippines since treaty ally the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb 28, with Tehran successfully closing the important Strait of Hormuz to visitors since.
President Ferdinand Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency final week, later saying that “nothing was off the desk” because the nation of 116 million tried to satisfy its want for gas.
On Wednesday, Overseas Secretary Theresa Lazaro mentioned she had explored “key avenues for cooperation” in a gathering with Iranian ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh that included the Philippines’ power secretary.
“Constructing on the momentum of our Political Consultations final November 2025, we’re dedicated to deepening our cooperation throughout all fronts, significantly power cooperation,” she mentioned in a submit on social media platform X.
Presidential spokeswoman Claire Castro later instructed reporters that Lazaro had sought protected passage by the strait for oil shipments certain for the Philippines.
“Secretary Lazaro requested that Iran formally designate (the Philippines) as a ‘non-hostile nation’ and guarantee protected passage for PH-flagged vessels and oil shipments,” Castro instructed reporters through messaging app.
“That is important for the safety of our seafarers and our power provide.”
She added the Iranian ambassador had been “awaiting our outreach and reaffirmed their sturdy willingness to help the Philippines with our particular requests”.
