MANILA: A Philippine senator has urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr to revive the Philippines’ claim over Sabah amid rising petroleum prices linked to the Middle East crisis, reported
GMA News Online.
Senator Robin Padilla (
pic) said in a
Facebook post that the government should send emissaries to Malaysia to negotiate the territorial claim.
He called on the President to act and pursue what he described as a rightful claim to Sabah, which he said is rich in oil resources.
Padilla also suggested that Philippine Coast Guard Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela demonstrate his patriotic stance in relation to the Sabah issue.
Sabah, located on the island of Borneo south of Mindanao, has long been the subject of a territorial dispute between the Philippines and Malaysia.
Heirs of the Sultan of Sulu have claimed that the territory was historically under the control of a Filipino sultan.
However, the United Nations recognised Sabah as part of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.
Padilla said the matter should be resolved through peaceful negotiations and not conflict, noting that Malaysia is a neighbouring country and friend.
He added that discussions should aim for a middle ground beneficial to the people of Sabah while highlighting the area’s oil resources.
GMA News Online reported that Malacañang has yet to respond, while Marcos earlier said the country has sufficient crude oil supply until June 30, 2026, and has declared a state of national energy emergency amid rising oil prices.
