Marilyn Cahatol

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ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17746656048861774665602673.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">This handout satellite image taken by 2026 Planet Labs PBC on March 2, 2026 shows smoke billowing from a vessel following an explosion from the port of Bandar Abbas along the strait of Hormuz. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, killing Iran&#x27;s supreme leader and top military leaders, prompting authorities to retaliate with strikes on Israel and US bases across the Gulf. <em>2026 Planet Labs PBC/AFP/File </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA <strong>(UPDATED)</strong> — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Finance Committee,on Saturday urged the executive department to engage in a high-level discussion with Iran to secure safe passage for oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz for shipments bound for the Philippines.</p><p>Iran restricted passage through the strait in retaliation to attacks by the US and Israel since February 28. Iran also launched strikes against countries along the Persian Gulf that host US bases.</p><p>Four weeks since, the Philippines has been grappling with surging oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict.</p><p>“I strongly urge the executive department to engage in high-level discussions with Iran to secure safe passage of Philippine-bound oil vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and ensure they are recognized as neutral entities,” Gatchalian said in a statement. </p><p>The Philippines is a defense treaty ally of the US, whose military has access to select armed forces facilities and trains with Filipino troops regularly.</p><p>Gatchalian said strategic coordination and swift diplomatic action will help protect the country’s energy security and shield the public from future economic strain.</p><p>“Hindi na puwedeng maantala o malagay sa alanganin ang ligtas at agarang pagdating ng ating suplay ng langis, lalo na ngayong hindi matatag ang sitwasyon sa pandaigdigang mercado,” Gatchalian said. </p><p>(Safe and immediate supply of oil can no longer be disrupted or endangered, especially now that the global market is unstable.)</p><p>He added that the country cannot afford delays or disruptions as it will further burden Filipinos “already weighed down by rising costs.” </p><p>Iran has formal diplomatic relations with the Philippines and maintains an embassy in Makati.</p><p>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this week declared a <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/24/marcos-declares-state-of-national-energy-emergency-1927">state of national energy emergency</a>, saying the war in the Middle East — a region also called West Asia — has posed an &quot;imminent danger… upon the availability and stability of the country&#x27;s energy supply.&quot;</p><p>This, despite the Palace’s earlier claim there is no oil crisis, just a supply “<a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/23/ph-seeing-price-disruption-not-oil-crisis-palace-says-despite-forming-crisis-committee-1140">disruption</a>.”</p><p>As of Friday, 425 gas stations have <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/27/425-gas-stations-temporarily-close-as-fuel-supply-runs-dry-1408">temporarily stopped operations</a> after running out of fuel supply, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). </p><p>The rise of fuel prices has been attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, where 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through. </p><p>Thailand on Saturday said it had reached an agreement with Iran to allow Thai oil vessels safe passage.</p><p>US President Donald Trump on Friday insisted Iran must open up the strait to oil traffic to make a peace deal.</p><p>Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that vessels bound for the United States, Israel and their allies are not allowed to pass through. <strong>— With reports from Agence France-Presse</strong></p><div><a href="http://&#x27;Strait of Trump&#x27;: US president says Iran must open key waterway">&#x27;Strait of Trump&#x27;: US president says Iran must open key waterway</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B0SC51TP0io?si=Qnkx9bXcsQAUbFT-" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said strategic coordination and swift diplomatic action will help protect the Philippines' energy security and shield the public from future economic strain.</p>

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said strategic coordination and swift diplomatic action will help protect the Philippines' energy security and shield the public from future economic strain.

Gatchalian urges talks with Iran to secure transit of oil bound for PH

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Gatchalian urges talks with Iran to secure transit of oil bound for PH

Marilyn Cahatol,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 28, 2026 11:01 AM PHT

|

Updated March 28, 2026 12:28 PM PHT

Read More:

Strait of Hormuz

Sherwin Gatchalian

Middle East

Iran

oil

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