MACAPAGAL, Pasay City — Despite reports saying Iran has set up a tollbooth-like system along the Strait of Hormuz that charges millions of dollars for oil tankers to pass through the vital waterway, Philippine authorities have announced that they have secured free passage for Philippine-flagged vessels and energy shipments bound for the Philippines.

Accordingly, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed that there will be no charges imposed to cross the Strait following a high-level meeting with Iranian officials .

Foreign affairs secretary Theresa Lazaro described her meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi as "very productive."

"(Regarding) the reported toll fee, there is no toll fee (. . .) Energy sources and all Filipino seafarers w(ill) be allowed safe and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz," Lazaro assured.

The Department of Energy has yet to comment on the breakthrough development with Iran and provide details on the number of fuel shipments to be expected following the opening of Hormuz to the Philippines.