The Philippine government is pursuing oil and energy exploration partnerships with countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and Israel, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Friday, as it faces mounting criticism over a possible joint exploration deal with China.
Speaking at a Malacañang press briefing, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stressed that the Philippines is not dependent on any single foreign partner, even as discussions with China remain on the table but unresolved.
The clarification comes amid public and political backlash following reports that the government may revive joint exploration talks with Beijing, raising concerns over sovereignty and energy security in the West Philippine Sea.
Garin said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has already signed eight exploration contracts covering oil, natural gas, and hydrogen, involving a range of international partners.
“So, nandiyan na po iyong mga kontrata na iyan… but most of those are different countries or partners — Australia, UK, Israel, iba’t iba po,” Garin said, emphasizing that the Philippines is not limited to one partner and can work with countries capable of exploration.
She added that while joint exploration with China remains an option, no concrete agreement has been finalized.
“Hindi isang bansa lang ang puwede tayong mag-partner… As of now, hindi pa nasa-submit kung ano iyong mga proposal nila,” she said.
Garin also noted that China continues to honor its supply commitments to the Philippines, ensuring stable energy imports, but clarified that discussions on exploration are separate.
The energy chief highlighted that some projects, such as the Malampaya expansion, are fully Filipino-led.
“Malampaya is purely Filipino… Filipinos can do this,” she said, adding that two of three ongoing drilling activities have been successful so far.
She also said the country is exploring emerging energy sources such as natural hydrogen, with projects involving foreign partners, including a U.S. firm providing technical expertise.
Garin emphasized that working with multiple countries allows the Philippines to strengthen its energy security while gaining access to advanced technologies, even as debates continue over the role China may play in the country’s upstream energy sector.