In its desperation to secure oil supplies amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Philippines has turned to countries with which it has strained relations, says this academic. SINGAPORE: Due to its dependence on Middle Eastern oil , the Philippines has been hit harder than any other Southeast Asian country by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’ suggestion that the war could rekindle talks between the Philippines and China on joint energy projects in the