Energy Secretary Vicente Perez said the government would go after oil companies that indiscriminately adjust prices of their products and file corresponding criminal charges against them.
"The energy department will run after individuals and companies that will resort to illegal practices, particularly unfair pricing, at this very critical time in the industry," he said in a news briefing at Malacanang.
Perez said they would strictly monitor the industry to protect the consumers. The energy department, he added, would make surprise visits to gasoline stations to check their operation, including pricing.
He likewise asked the full cooperation of the public by reporting to the government any illegal activity in gas stations and shops particularly those selling LPG.
The energy department, in coordination with the Department of Justice, has already filed several charges against individuals engaged in unfair pricing, wrong calibration of pumps, adulterated oil products and defective LPG gas tanks.
Also, he appealed to other sectors to refrain from further clouding the oil issue by sending wrong information to the public about rising fuel prices. The government has asked the public to brace for the "inevitable" increase in domestic prices of petroleum products after the world crude prices continued to soar to record highs.
Perez assured the Philippines has sufficient supply of oil that could last until October, allaying concerns of a possible oil disruption.
On plans of transport groups to launch strikes against the rising oil prices, Perez said that the riding public would only suffer from such action. He added that no amount of transport strikes could roll back the prices of local oil products.
He said the government is willing to provide loans and training to transport groups planning to establish their own gasoline stations.
A call for calm
Four allies of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Congress yesterday called on the public to remain calm as they assured that Malacañang is taking steps to cushion the impact of spiraling oil costs and prevent any shortage in the country’s oil reserves.
Reps. Monico Puentevella (Bacolod City, Lakas), Mayor Almario (Davao Oriental, Lakas), Antonio Cerilles (Zamboanga del Sur, NPC) and Rodito Albano (Isabela, NPC-Kampi) aired the appeal shortly after their colleague, party-list Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo warned widespread public protests over the continuing oil price increases.
The administration lawmakers acknowledged that while soaring oil prices in the world market would have a domino effect on the local prices, the public should remain calm and united as the Arroyo government has put in measures to lessen the impact of the increasing cost of oil which hit a record high of more than $44 per barrel in the US yesterday.
Puentevella said the times call for unity and understanding by the people to allow the President lessen any inevitable rise in commodities.
Almario said the people should bear with the Arroyo government as even Congress will seek out ways to ensure the price stability of goods and services.
Cerilles said the best approach to retain normalcy in the country is to accept world market reality and wait for the government to implement the necessary measures to mitigate its effect.
For his part, Albano called on his colleagues to contribute to the stability of the situation instead of legislating non-productive measures.
According to Ocampo, the increased levy for the purpose of generating added government revenues will translate in continuing and compounding oil price increases.
"Malacañang’s decision to increase the levy on oil will dim whatever chances there are left for any substantial oil price rollbacks. This move is clearly detrimental to public interest." (Edmer F. Panesa)
