Philippine Ambassador to US Jose Manuel Romualdez (PNA file photo/Joyce Rocamora)
The Philippines is exploring the possibility of importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Alaska as the Trump administration moves to revive its long-delayed $44 billion gas pipeline project.
Alaska has already secured support from President Donald Trump for the Alaska LNG project, which is designed to process and transport up to 20 million tons of LNG each year. The project plans to link the gas fields in northern Alaska with a southern port, where the gas will be liquefied and then exported, primarily to Asian markets.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel Romualdez, announced on social media that Manila intends to procure LNG from Alaska to meet its growing energy demands.
He added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. looks forward to discussing this proposal—as well as other areas of mutual interest—during an upcoming meeting with President Trump. Although no specific timeline has been set, both governments are working to arrange a bilateral meeting between their leaders within the year.
Romualdez emphasized that the offer from Alaska could secure a stable and competitively priced supply of LNG for the Philippines.
“Much like Japan, which has already made a commitment, we are prepared to commit to purchasing some of that LNG. This opportunity was first presented to us by U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska,” he explained, noting that the abundance of supply might translate into very favorable pricing.
On February 20, representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. met with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. During the meeting, Dunleavy highlighted that efforts are underway to implement Trump’s “America First” agenda by bolstering Alaskan LNG exports. Chargé d’affaires Jaime Ascalon Jr. conveyed Manila’s strong interest in exploring the potential of sourcing its LNG requirements from the U.S. via Alaska.
Governor Dunleavy also noted the significant global interest in the Alaska LNG project, citing enthusiasm from Pacific Rim governments, pipeline developers, and shipping companies alike. He stressed that the project is crucial not only for economic development and national security but also for strengthening ties with U.S. allies in the Pacific region.
In related developments, following discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, President Trump mentioned a prospective joint venture between Japan and the U.S. concerning Alaska’s oil and gas resources. “Japan will soon start importing historic new shipments of clean American LNG in record numbers,” Trump said.
He added that the pipeline in Alaska, being the closest major source of oil and gas to Japan, offers a significant strategic advantage, and both sides are excited about the possibilities of a collaborative venture.