The government’s intervention in fuel pricing through EO 110, or the declaration of a National State of Energy Emergency, is a timely relief given the rate of increases in fuel prices that we have seen since March. I have long advocated for the unbundling of fuel prices to ensure that any increase is neither arbitrary nor without basis, especially to the detriment of ordinary Filipino households as well as micro and small businesses.

As the country is fully dependent on imports to meet local requirements for fuel, the public deserves to know the math. The DOE must clearly explain how oil companies compute price increases. Also, the government should continue to exercise its emergency powers to regulate in the interest of consumers.

Patuloy nating tututukan ang presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo bilang bahagi ng oversight function ng Senado para masigurong makatarungan ang anumang pagtaas ng presyo.

###

Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS WIN GATCHALIAN