Former Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Joey Pelaez has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to initiate a comprehensive review of the country’s energy policies to prevent another oil supply crisis should conflict erupt in the Middle East.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Pelaez warned that the Philippines’ heavy dependence on imported oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz leaves the nation vulnerable to global disruptions.
He noted, however, that the Department of Energy has already begun exploring alternative trading partners among members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), as well as sourcing cheaper oil from Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, and even the United States—routes that bypass contested waters between Iran and the U.S.
Pelaez further recommended that the Philippines establish its own oil refinery to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen energy security. He emphasized that building domestic refining capacity would be a long-term solution to shield the country from external shocks in the global oil market.
This proposal highlights the urgency of diversifying energy sources and investing in infrastructure to ensure stability in the face of geopolitical risks.
