Senator Robin Padilla on Friday called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to revive the Philippines’ claim over Sabah, citing the territory’s oil and gas wealth as fuel prices surge amid the Middle East crisis.
In a Facebook post, Padilla urged the government to send emissaries to Malaysia to negotiate the claim.
“Mr. President, panahon na upang muling buhayin ang ating karapat-dapat na pag-angkin sa Sabah. Kailangan na nating kumilos at magpadala ng ating mga sugo. Ang North Borneo ay mayaman na sa yamang langis,” he wrote.
He also called on Jay Tarriela of the Philippine Coast Guard to demonstrate patriotic zeal in pursuing the claim.
Sabah, located on the island of Borneo south of Mindanao, has long been disputed between the Philippines and Malaysia. Heirs of the Sultan of Sulu maintain historical claims over the territory, though the United Nations recognized Sabah as part of Malaysia in 1963.
Padilla stressed that any negotiations should be peaceful.
“Tama po—negosasyon hindi po pakikipag-away. Ang Malaysia po ay kaibigan natin at kapitbahay natin,” he said, adding that discussions could benefit Sabah residents given the area’s rich natural resources.
Malacañang has yet to issue a response to the senator’s remarks.