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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Padilla calls for revival of PH claim over Sabah amid oil crisis

Padilla calls for revival of PH claim over Sabah amid oil crisis

Published Mar 27, 2026 12:45 pm  |  Updated Mar 27, 2026 01:37 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Robin Padilla has called on the Philippine government to revive its longstanding claim over Sabah, citing the territory's oil resources as the country grapples with rising fuel costs due to tensions in the Middle East.

Senator Robin Padilla has called on the Philippine government to revive its longstanding claim over Sabah, citing the territory’s oil resources as the country grapples with rising fuel costs due to tensions in the Middle East.

Senator Robinhood Padilla (Senate PRIB photo)
Senator Robinhood Padilla (Senate PRIB photo)

In a Facebook post addressed to President Marcos, Padilla said “now is the time” to assert the country’s claim over the territory, also known historically as North Borneo.

“We must act and send our emissaries,” Padilla said, arguing that the oil-rich region could help the Philippines address its energy concerns.

Padilla also urged Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of thePhilippine Coast Guard (PCG) on West Philippine Sea issues, to direct what he described as patriotic efforts toward asserting the country’s presence in Sabah.

He said such efforts should be visible “in both low and high tide,” emphasizing the need for sustained action.

The senator made the remarks as the Philippines continues to deal with the economic impact of volatile global oil prices, driven in part by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have disrupted supply and pushed fuel costs higher.

Related Tags

Robin Padilla Sabah Middle East Middle East conflict Oil crisis
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