Erwin Tulfo seeks Oman’s help to boost PH oil reserves

MANILA, Philippines – Amid the ongoing oil crisis, Sen. Erwin Tulfo on Monday sought the assistance of Oman Ambassador to the Philippines Abdullah Al Manwari in boosting the country’s oil reserves.

During his visit to the Oman Embassy, Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, raised the possibility of a government-to-government oil deal with Oman.

“In case this war would drag on, I hope you can help us boost our oil reserves. We will ask through our proper government channels—the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Energy,” Tulfo asked the Omani evnoy, as quoted in a statement.

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In response, Tulfo said Almanwari told him that “while they are willing to help the Philippines, they still need to confirm with their corresponding ministry on how Oman can help the Philippine oil supply-wise.”

The envoy also reiterated that the Philippines  “is a friend of Oman.”

Tulfo also expressed gratitude to the sultanate, noting that Oman has served as an exit point for repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

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“Thank you for your continuous support. Some of the OFWs, when they exit, they go through Oman,” the senator told Al Manwari.

Tulfo also called Oman a “reliable partner,” citing the release of 17 Filipino seafarers who had been held hostage in Yemen with the assistance of Omani authorities. /dl