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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian hails PH-Iran safe passage deal, calls it a win for nation's energy security

Gatchalian hails PH-Iran safe passage deal, calls it a win for nation's energy security

Published Apr 2, 2026 07:41 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday, April 2 lauded the government for securing a "safe passage" deal with Iran, saying it is a major win for the country which is still reeling from the impact of the oil crisis due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.


Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday, April 2 lauded the government for securing a “safe passage” deal with Iran, saying it is a major win for the country which is still reeling from the impact of the oil crisis due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

(DFA Photo)
(DFA Photo)

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance commended the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) for securing the deal which is the only viable path for the Philippines’ energy security.

“Iran's commitment to allow the passage of PH-bound oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz is a critical win for the country's national energy security,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“Consistent with my advocacy for diplomacy, securing a safe maritime corridor is the only viable path for the country to improve its fuel reserves,” he said.

“I commend the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Energy for their swift and decisive action in securing this assurance. This development gives us hope and confidence that the economic disruption caused by the Middle East conflict will be tempered for the benefit of Filipino consumers,” the senator added.

Gatchalian further expressed hope that this development will be a great help in ensuring there would be sufficient supply in the country in the coming months.

“We will also strive to implement the proposed contingency action plans promoted by Senate PROTECT for the benefit of our countrymen who are already suffering due to the war in the Middle East,” he stressed.

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro confirmed having “a very productive” phone conversation on Maundy Thursday with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi paving the way for the safe transit of Philippine-flagged vessels and all Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz.

This comes after President Marcos ordered the DFA to conduct high-level government-to-government talks with Iran to boost the country’s oil supply which has been affected by Iran’s current conflict with the United States and Israel.

Last March 24, Marcos declared that the Philippines is in a state of national energy emergency in order to address the impact of the Middle East conflict on the country's economy, transportation and job security.

Related Tags

DFA Iran Sherwin Gatchalian Strait of Hormuz OIL CRISIS National energy emergency
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