Philippines says working with Washington to obtain oil from U.S.-sanctioned countries - Reuters

The Philippines says it is coordinating with Washington to secure oil supplies from countries subject to U.S. sanctions, seeking a workaround to access energy resources despite American restrictions. This arrangement reflects Manila's effort to balance its energy needs—the country relies heavily on imported oil—with its alliance with the United States. The move suggests the Trump administration may be granting exceptions or tacit approval for Philippine purchases from sanctioned nations, likely including Venezuela or Iran, major oil producers under U.S. economic penalties. Such an arrangement would signal flexibility in how the administration enforces sanctions policy, particularly for strategically important allies in the Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines faces chronic energy shortages and has previously sought diverse supply sources to reduce dependence on any single partner.