DFA CHIEF LAUDED FOR SECURING SAFE PASSAGE OF PH-FLAGGED VESSELS TRHOUGH STRAIT OF HORMUZ

SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson on Friday lauded Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro for ensuring through quiet diplomacy the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy shipments and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz.

Lacson underscored the deal’s importance as he noted that the route is 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,” he 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 said the development is vital to ensuring the Philippines’ energy security and the safety of Filipino seafarers operating in the area.

Earlier, Lazaro talked 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 would weather “Trump-26,” amid economic pressures – including rising 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.”