Senator Robin Padilla has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to revive the Philippines’ claim over Sabah, citing the territory’s oil and gas resources as a potential solution to the country’s energy crisis. His call comes amid soaring fuel prices caused by Middle East tensions and global oil supply disruptions.

Padilla made the appeal in a Facebook post on March 27, 2026, stressing that the government should send emissaries to Malaysia to negotiate the Philippines’ longstanding claim. “Mr. President, panahon na upang muling buhayin ang ating karapat-dapat na pag-angkin sa Sabah. Kailangan na nating kumilos at magpadala ng ating mga sugo. Ang North Borneo ay mayaman na sa yamang langis,” he wrote, underscoring the potential of Sabah’s oil reserves to help stabilize the country’s fuel supply.

The senator also suggested that Philippine Coast Guard officials, including spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, could be deployed to assert the country’s claim. “Tariella and his group must channel their patriotic zeal toward the island, visible in both low and high tide,” Padilla added.

Sabah, located on the island of Borneo, is currently administered by Malaysia but has been subject to Philippine claims based on historical ties with the Sultanate of Sulu. The issue has long been a sensitive diplomatic matter, with Malaysia rejecting the Philippines’ claim and insisting on its sovereignty over the territory.

Padilla’s renewed push comes as the Philippines grapples with a State of National Energy Emergency, declared by President Marcos Jr. after oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted by escalating conflict in the Middle East. Fuel prices in the Philippines have surged, with diesel projected to reach ₱146 per liter next week, and LPG possibly hitting ₱1,500 per tank in April.

Analysts warn that reviving the Sabah claim could strain diplomatic relations with Malaysia, a key regional partner, especially at a time when ASEAN cooperation is crucial for energy security. However, Padilla argues that the Philippines must explore all possible avenues to secure long-term energy resources.

This development highlights the intersection of foreign policy and domestic energy concerns, as the government weighs immediate measures, such as suspending excise taxes, against broader strategic moves, such as territorial claims. The debate over Sabah is likely to reignite discussions on historical rights, regional diplomacy, and the country’s urgent need for energy stability.