Philippines signed oil exploration contracts with various nations—Garin

The Philippine government has signed oil exploration contracts with various nations, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and Israel, on potential oil and energy exploration projects, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said Friday.

The exploration covers energy exploration projects covering oil, natural gas, and hydrogen.

“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 in a Palace briefing, emphasizing that the Philippines is not limited to one partner and can work with countries capable of exploration.

Garin revealed after the floated joint exploration with China, which was revealed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his interview with American-based newswires, Bloomberg.

However, 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 na-submit kung ano iyong mga proposal nila,” she said.

On the other hand, Garin said 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 United States firm providing technical expertise.

Garin emphasized that partnering with multiple countries allows the Philippines to strengthen its energy security while gaining access to advanced technologies.