President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a 20-minute phone call on Tuesday, emphasizing the urgent need to secure key global shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, as energy prices continue to climb.
Both leaders raised concern over the spike in fuel costs following the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has severely disrupted traffic through the critical passageway — a vital artery for global oil and gas shipments.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Takaichi stressed the need for coordinated international action to ease tensions and ensure maritime security.
Marcos, meanwhile, outlined the Philippines’ position and current efforts, though specific details were not disclosed. Both leaders agreed to work closely toward the early de-escalation of the conflict.
The discussion coincided with Marcos’ declaration of a national energy emergency, a move aimed at ensuring stable supply and distribution of essential goods — including fuel, food, medicines, and agricultural products — amid the continuing Middle East hostilities.