Senator Sherwin Gatchalian welcomed the development allowing oil shipments bound for the Philippines to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, following swift coordination between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Iranian Embassy in Manila.

Gatchalian commended Foreign Affairs Secretary Teresita Lazaro for the quick diplomatic action that led to the agreement, which is expected to support the country’s oil supply chain.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor, where a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments pass, making its accessibility vital for energy security.

However, the senator emphasized that the arrangement is not yet fully guaranteed, noting the absence of a firm commitment to ensure consistent passage. He warned that relying solely on this development may pose risks to the country’s energy stability.

Currently, around 90 percent of the Philippines’ oil supply comes from the Middle East, making it vulnerable to geopolitical tensions in the region. Gatchalian stressed the need to pursue high-level dialogues and diversify energy sources by exploring non-traditional suppliers such as the United States and Canada.

The development highlights ongoing efforts to secure stable energy access while underscoring the scientific and economic importance of diversified fuel supply systems in mitigating disruptions caused by global uncertainties.