Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito on Saturday welcomed the administration’s efforts to secure safe passage for Philippine-flagged vessels and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing its potential to stabilize the country’s fuel supply.
“This is a very welcome development! This will greatly help replenish our petroleum reserves,” Ejercito said.
The assurance followed discussions between Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who guaranteed “unhindered” oil shipments and protection for Filipino seafarers.
Manila had previously requested Iran to designate the Philippines as a “non-hostile” nation amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Ejercito highlighted that a stable oil supply could help ease inflationary pressures, particularly on transport fares, food, and essential commodities.
“Sana itong development na ito makatulong kahit paano para gumaan ang sitwasyon. Para makahinga na ang taumbayan,” he added.
The senator also renewed his call to suspend fuel excise taxes to provide immediate relief to consumers.
“Ang atin pong proposal ay ibigay ang maximum na tulong at tuluyang suspendihin ang excise tax ng petrolyo,” Ejercito said, stressing the need to balance support for key industries like agriculture and transport to prevent economic disruption.
Ejercito is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12316, which allows the president to suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes.
The law was signed on March 25, one day after the Philippines declared a state of national energy emergency.