Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippine government will engage Iran to ensure the safe passage of oil shipments bound for the country through the Strait of Hormuz, Malacañang said.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro to initiate discussions with Iranian officials.
“Kahapon po ay nagkaroon din po ng meeting ang UPLIFT at iyan ay ipinag-utos na ng pangulo kay Secretary Tess Lazaro,” Castro said in a press briefing.
[Translation: The UPLIFT committee met yesterday and the president ordered Secretary Tess Lazaro to take up the discussions.]
“At ayon kay Secretary Tess Lazaro ng DFA, makikipag-usap siya sa ambassador ng Iran, most probably ay tomorrow. Kung hindi man magkakaroon ng tomorrow, by next week,” she added.
[Translation: Secretary Tess Lazaro said she will speak with the Iranian ambassador, most probably tomorrow. If not, then by next week.]
The Middle East conflict has restricted global oil supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz — a key waterway where around 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass.
The strait, located between Iran and Oman, connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is considered one of the most critical oil chokepoints globally.
Lawmakers earlier urged the administration to pursue diplomatic engagement to secure the passage of Philippine-bound vessels amid the situation.
The government is also exploring alternative sources of petroleum products to ensure supply stability, including possible procurement from Russia, Indonesia, and India.
