The Philippines has asked the United States to extend a waiver allowing it to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products, according to the country's Energy Secretary Sharon Garin on Tuesday.

Garin expressed optimism that the government will secure an extension of the waiver, which expired on April 11, but noted that alternative supply plans are also being prepared in case the request is denied.

"We are awaiting a response from the U.S. side, but we are very optimistic about getting this new window," Garin stated during a press briefing.

Garin mentioned that the Philippines is diversifying its energy sources and that supply options are not limited to Russia. The government is also exploring oil-producing countries in South America, including Colombia and Argentina, as well as Canada and the United States.

"We want to keep the Russian window open because we want more options. We need diversification," she emphasized.

Last month, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Manila is working with the U.S. to obtain waivers and exceptions that would allow the Philippines to source oil from countries under American sanctions.

In a related development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. suspended excise taxes on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas on Monday, after Congress granted him emergency powers to adjust fuel tax rates. However, his economic management team opposed the suspension of excise taxes on diesel and gasoline.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go stated on Tuesday that the Development Budget Coordination Committee, composed of these economic managers, "has determined that suspending excise taxes on diesel and gasoline is unlikely to provide meaningful relief, as any reduction in retail fuel prices would be minimal and largely offset by current market dynamics."