Manila: The Philippines is considering importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Alaska as the Trump administration sets its sights on reviving its long-delayed USD44 billion gas pipeline project. Alaska earlier secured President Donald Trump's backing to develop the Alaska LNG project, which can process and transport up to 20 million tons of LNG annually. The project aims to connect the gas fields from northern Alaska to a port in the south for liquefaction and export, primarily to the Asian market.
According to Philippines News Agency, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez expressed the country's intent to procure LNG from Alaska to bolster its growing energy needs. Romualdez revealed this plan through a post on X, indicating that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is eager to engage with President Trump to discuss potential collaborations that could benefit both nations. Although no specific timeline has been set, efforts are underway to arrange a meeting between the two leaders within the year.
Romualdez highlighted that the Alaskan offer could provide the Philippines with a stable and competitively priced LNG supply. He noted that US Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) had previously extended the offer and mentioned the potential for securing the LNG at a favorable price due to Alaska's abundant supply. This proposition aligns with similar commitments made by Japan, which has already agreed to import LNG from Alaska.
On February 20, officials from the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC met with Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. During the meeting, Dunleavy affirmed that steps are being taken to implement President Trump's 'America First' policy, which supports Alaskan LNG exports. Charg© d'affaires Jaime Ascalon Jr. conveyed Manila's keen interest in exploring the prospects of sourcing LNG from the US through Alaska.
Governor Dunleavy recognized the significant interest from Pacific Rim governments, pipeline builders, and shippers in the Alaska LNG project. He emphasized that the project's importance extends beyond economic development, highlighting its role in national security and strengthening alliances with Pacific allies.
In related developments, President Trump disclosed after a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba that the US and Japan are discussing a potential joint venture on Alaska oil and gas. Japan is set to begin importing LNG from the US in unprecedented quantities. Trump noted that Alaska's proximity to Japan offers a strategic advantage, being less than half the distance of other locations, which could facilitate a promising joint venture between the US and Japan in the oil and gas sectors.
