MANILA — Malacañang emphasized the importance of ensuring safe passage for Philippine-bound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz to maintain an uninterrupted fuel supply, while remaining open to proposals such as temporary fuel purchase limits to curb hoarding.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said talks with Iran are centered on sustaining the flow of oil and other essential goods amid global supply disruptions.

Iran earlier assured the Philippines of the “safe, unhindered and expeditious” passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, including those carrying energy supplies and crewed by Filipino seafarers, through the strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, where about 20 percent of global oil shipments pass.

Castro clarified that the engagement with Tehran would not affect Manila’s longstanding alliance with the United States.

“Wala po tayong nakikitang magiging isyu sa ating kaibigan na bansa na US dahil alam naman po nila ang sitwasyon ngayon (We don’t see any issue from our ally, the US, because they understand the situation),” she said.

Amid uncertainties in global supply, the Palace said proposals such as imposing temporary limits on fuel purchases to prevent hoarding are being considered.

“Lahat po ng suggestion ay maaari pong ikonsidera ng administrasyon (All suggestions may be considered by the administration),” Castro said, noting the matter would be discussed with the Department of Energy.

The Philippines has been affected by rising oil prices following tensions in the Middle East, prompting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to declare a national energy emergency. The government has rolled out measures to stabilize supply and mitigate the impact of increasing fuel costs.