Senator Padilla urges government to reassert Sabah claim amid fuel crisis

Senator Robin Padilla called on the Philippine government to reassert its claim over Sabah pointing to the territory's oil resources.

His statement comes as the country faces rising fuel costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

In a Facebook post addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Padilla said the current situation presents an opportunity to push the country’s claim over the area, historically referred to as North Borneo.

“We must act and send our emissaries,” Padilla said, adding that the oil-rich territory could help address the Philippines’ energy challenges.

He also appealed to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for West Philippine Sea issues, Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, to channel what he described as patriotic initiatives toward asserting the country’s presence in Sabah.

Padilla said such actions should be sustained and visible. He said such efforts should be visible “in both low and high tide,” emphasizing the need for consistent action.

The senator made the remarks as the Philippines and the rest of the world continue to grapple with the economic effects of skyrocketing oil prices and depleting supply.

The territory of Sabah has been a point of contention between the Philippines and Malaysia.

The Philippines continues to assert its sovereign claim over Sabah as announced in a briefing by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on February 20, 2026.