Malacañang said Sunday that it is optimistic that the dialogue between energy and justice authorities and oil companies Monday would calm down the tension over the price caps on petroleum products in Luzon.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez said the task force of the Department of Energy (DoE) and Department of Justice (DoJ) would listen to the concerns of the petroleum firms on the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 839.

EO 839, issued by the President last month, ordered oil companies to keep the prices of their goods at Oct. 15 level in Luzon, where a state of calamity was declared in the aftermath of recent typhoons.

Golez said the government representatives would also try to reassure the oil companies that EO 839, which has been met by stiff opposition by business groups, would be only temporary.

“The dialogue between the joint task force of the DoE and DOJ seeks to listen to the side of the oil companies.

This is an avenue, a chance to air the concerns of the oil companies. We will know the response of the DoE and DoJ afterwards,” he said in a radio interview.

“What is important is this is a temporary measure to help people affected adversely by the recent storms,” he added.

Unfazed by the threats raised by oil companies and other business groups, Malacañang remains firm in enforcing the price freeze on oil products in Luzon to protect the welfare of affected families.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde had said oil companies should stop blackmailing the government with supposed oil supply shortage if the EO 839 is not lifted soon.

Remonde urged oil firms to comply with the presidential directive as part of social responsibility to help calamity victims get back on their feet. The President, he added, will lift the oil price freeze if the situation calls for it.