MALACAÑANG said the government has yet to finalize any deal for the procurement of Russian fuel and fertilizer.
In a press conference on Tuesday, Press Secretary Beatrix “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles declined to further comment on the matter since the said transactions are still pending.
“Until the agreement has been finalized, then we cannot disclose the pending transactions,” Angeles said.
She issued the statement after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. said in an interview with Bloomberg during his visit in the United States last week that he is considering buying fertilizer and fuel from Russia.
Marcos said he entered into talks with Russia despite being aware of the existing international sanctions imposed by Europe and the United States against it for its invasion of Ukraine.
The sanctions aim to financially hurt Russia and stop it from continuing its military operations in Ukraine by restricting its trade with other countries.
Marcos noted the government is currently considering alternative suppliers for fuel and fertilizers like Russia, as the prices of both commodities in the international market continue to rise due to high demand.
He said he must prioritize national interests over his personal concerns in the Ukraine conflict.
In his meeting with the Asia Society in New York last week, Marcos said he is worried over the possible escalation of tension in Ukraine, which he said could lead to the use of nuclear arms.
He urged the parties in the conflict to peacefully resolve their differences.