DFA: PH vessels assured safe passage in Strait of Hormuz despite blockade threat

Philippine-flagged vessels are assured of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz despite US President Donald Trump’s threat of a blockade following failed peace talks, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday.

“The agreement between the Philippines and Iran through the discussions that we had will remain the same,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said in a virtual press conference.

“In fact, just last Saturday, the Iranian ambassador called me regarding two or three Philippine-flagged vessels expected to pass through the strait. As of now, based on our discussions, the agreement between the Philippines and Iran remains,” she added.

Earlier this month, the DFA said Iran had assured the Philippines that Philippine-flagged vessels, energy shipments, and Filipino seafarers would be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, the DFA said Lazaro “had a very productive phone conversation” with the Iranian foreign minister to discuss stronger bilateral cooperation.

It added that the Iranian official “assured the Secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy shipments, and all Filipino seafarers.”

In early April, Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran less than two hours before his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its civilian infrastructure.

“This will be a double-sided CEASEFIRE!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive agreement concerning long-term peace with Iran, and peace in the Middle East.”

However, on Sunday, Trump said the US Navy would immediately begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran failed to reach a deal to end the conflict, jeopardizing the fragile ceasefire.

The US president also said the military would interdict vessels in international waters that had paid tolls to Iran and begin clearing mines allegedly deployed in the strait—a key chokepoint that handles about 20% of global oil supply.

“Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the finest in the world, will begin the process of blockading any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted the shipment of petroleum products through the Strait of Hormuz—considered the world’s most vital oil export route—causing significant supply concerns globally.

This has driven up fuel prices in the Philippines in recent weeks.

However, on Sunday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced a “big” rollback in pump prices effective Tuesday, April 14.

“Simula Martes, April 14, may malaking rollback sa presyo ng langis. Mahigit P20 ang ibababa sa diesel. Ang gasolina naman, may bawas na P4.43 kada litro. At sa kerosene, P8.50 kada litro ang ibababa,” he said.

(Starting Tuesday, April 14, there will be a significant rollback in fuel prices. Diesel will drop by more than P20 per liter, gasoline by P4.43 per liter, and kerosene by P8.50 per liter.)—MCG, GMA News