Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Energy on Friday, April 10, said it welcomes potential joint oil and gas exploration with China, and at the same time pursuing partnerships with other countries for energy security.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said any cooperation with China on exploration would be considered, particularly in areas where geographic realities may require coordination, but emphasized that no concrete agreements have been reached.
“Now, the joint exploration with China and the Philippines… that’s welcome naman but currently wala pa pong concrete contract kung ano po,” she said in Palace briefing.
[Translation: Joint exploration between China and the Philippines is welcome, but there is currently no concrete contract yet.]
Garin said recent engagements with Chinese officials were focused on ensuring fuel supply deliveries.
“Our discussions with the Chinese embassy was to discuss the orders of our oil companies… but we didn’t talk about the exploration,” she said.
[Translation: Our discussions with the Chinese embassy were about oil supply orders, not exploration.]
She said China has honored fuel shipments to the Philippines, helping maintain stable supply amid global disruptions.
Garin noted that the Philippines is looking at other possible partners, citing multiple ongoing and newly signed exploration agreements with other countries.
“It’s not just China that we are working with… hindi po lang isang bansa lang ang puwede tayong mag-partner,” Garin said.
[Translation: It’s not just China we are working with… we are not limited to partnering with only one country.]
She said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently signed several new service contracts covering oil, natural gas and hydrogen exploration, involving partners from countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Israel, and the United States.
“Some are purely Filipinos and some have partners… we can partner with countries that are capable of doing exploration,” she added.
[Translation: Some projects are purely Filipino, while others involve foreign partners… we can work with countries capable of conducting exploration.]
Garin also pointed to the need for foreign technical expertise in certain areas, particularly emerging energy sources like natural hydrogen, where specialized technology is required.
Against this backdrop, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Manila and Beijing have opened “initial exchanges” on possible oil and gas cooperation following bilateral meetings held in China last month.
The consultations were held during the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations and the 11th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea on March 27 and 28 in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province.
According to the DFA, both sides acknowledged global uncertainties, including developments in the Middle East, and discussed the importance of stable access to energy, as well as potential cooperation in oil, gas, and renewable energy.
