The Philippines is moving to secure its oil lifelines through the Strait of Hormuz after several countries have already obtained clearance from Iran, with Manila only now entering talks that could affect fuel supply and prices.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro to engage Iran’s ambassador to Manila to ensure safe passage for Philippine-bound vessels, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Tuesday, March 31.
Lazaro may meet with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeil Zadeh as soon as Wednesday or next week, depending on schedules, Castro said at a press briefing. The directive followed a meeting of the UPLIFT Committee, an interagency body formed to manage the fallout from the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
“Specific to the directive of the President, the Department of Foreign Affairs is directed to talk to the Iranian ambassador so that our Philippine-flagged vessels and Philippine-bound vessels will have safe passage,” Castro said.
Castro did not indicate whether Iran has guaranteed passage for Philippine-flagged or Philippine-bound ships.
The Philippines is trailing other nations in securing access to the vital oil route. On March 26, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that vessels from China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan would be allowed through the strait. Malaysia and Thailand later reached similar arrangements, earning spots on Tehran’s “friendly” list alongside Bangladesh.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed March 27 that his country’s oil tankers were cleared, while Thailand secured access after one of its vessels, the Mayuree Naree, was attacked and ran aground near Iran.
Iran has also indicated that vessels from South Korea and Japan may be allowed to transit the strait if coordinated with Tehran. The country maintains that the strait is not closed but controlled, a position communicated to both the UN Security Council and the International Maritime Organization.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian earlier urged Malacañang to pursue such talks to safeguard Philippine oil shipments.
The urgency of the move comes as the country faces a limited fuel buffer. As of March 27, the Philippines had about 51 days of fuel supply, up from 45 days a week earlier, according to the Department of Energy’s Oil Industry Management Bureau, after new shipments boosted inventories.
Oil companies told the Senate on March 26 that supplies are only guaranteed through April or May, with global uncertainties complicating further procurement.
Tensions remain high as U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatened Iran, warning he could “obliterate” its power plants and oil wells.
The Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally, is not directly involved in the conflict but now faces the challenge of securing its energy needs as global powers move ahead.
