SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA — President Arroyo will not back down on the controversial price freeze on oil products in Luzon despite threats of a supply shortage but assured the relief measure is just temporary, Malacañang said on Monday.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the government is determined to strictly enforce Executive Order 839 freezing the oil products at October 15 levels and run after erring petroleum companies to protect the public amid a calmity situation.

Remonde also said they are confident the country’s oil supply will remain sufficient and that oil companies are unlikely to shut down operations just because of the latest presidential directive.

“The reaction of the oil companies is expected. What they did not expect is the political will that was demonstrated by President Arroyo in exercising the powers vested under her by law considering we are in a state of calamity. The President is determined to enforce this EO for the good and welfare of our people,” Remonde said in a news conference prior to a Cabinet meeting here.

“We can only appeal once again for corporate social responsibilities of oil companies that these measures are temporary in nature but it is the duty of President Arroyo and government to promote the general welfare,” he added.

President Arroyo, during the Cabinet meeting here, expressed elation that all oil companies are complying with her directive to keep prices at levels prior to the onslaught of the two killer typhoons in Luzon.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes told the President that the oil companies would have implemented another P2 increase if the EO 839 was not issued.

Earlier, some oil firms have grudgingly complied with the latest presidential directive, which takes effect until the state of calamity in Luzon is lifted, while others warned of an imminent shortage of oil supply.