MANILA, April 14 (Reuters) - The Philippines' Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said on Tuesday that the country is asking the United States for an extension on a waiver to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products.
"We are awaiting their response, but we are very positive on getting this other window," Garin said at a news briefing, adding that the waiver had already expired on April 11.
Garin said the government is optimistic about securing the extension but is also preparing alternative supply arrangements in case the request is not approved.
She said the Philippines is pursuing diversification of its energy sources and supply options are not limited to Russia, with the government also eyeing producers in South America, including Colombia and Argentina, as well as Canada and even the United States.
"We wanted to open the Russian window because we want more options. We need diversification," she said.
Philippine ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, said last month that Manila was working with Washington to secure waivers https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/philippines-says-working-with-washington-obtain-oil-us-sanctioned-countries-2026-03-25/ and exemptions that will allow it to obtain oil from U.S.-sanctioned countries.
(Reporting by Karen Lema and Nestor Corrales; Editing by John Mair and David Stanway)
