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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Quiet diplomacy': Lacson gives props to DFA exec for safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels in Strait of Hormuz

'Quiet diplomacy': Lacson gives props to DFA exec for safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Published Apr 3, 2026 08:16 pm

At A Glance

  • Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson wants to give credit where credit is due.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (Facebook)
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (Facebook)


Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson wants to give credit where credit is due.
Lacson has hailed Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro for working out the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy shipments, and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz.
Lacson, in a statement on Good Friday, April 3, said Lazaro did so theough "quiet diplomacy".
The veteran senator underscored the deal's importance as he noted that the route was used by vessels that deliver 80 to 100 percent of the Philippines' oil imports.
"Our commendation and gratitude to DFA Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro for quietly and efficiently negotiating with Iran to allow passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz that deliver 80% to 100% of the Philippines oil imports," Lacson said in a post on X.
On Thursday, the DFA said Lazaro had a "very productive" phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who assured her that Iran would allow the "safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers".
Lazaro says the development is vital to ensuring the Philippines' energy security and the safety of Filipino seafarers operating in the area.
Earlier, Lazaro with the Iranian official to request that Iran designate the Philippines as a "non-hostile country" and guarantee safe passage for Philippine-flagged vessels and oil deliveries.
Last Wednesday, Lacson urged Filipinos to pray that the country and the world weather "Trump-26", amid economic pressures--including runaway fuel prices--due in large part to what he described as US President Donald Trump's "whimsical arrogance in treating even the US' long-time allies".
The Philippines has been a treaty ally of the US since the 1951.
As a result of the US-Israel-|ran conflict, gasoline and diesel prices in the Philippines have skyrocketed to over P100 per liter--historically a rare occurrence.

Related Tags

DFA Strait of Hormuz Panfilo \"Ping\" Lacson Ma. Theresa Lazaro
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