Efren de Luna, leader of Philippine Confederation of Drivers’ Organizations-Alliance of Concerned Transport Operators (PCDO), said they successfully negotiated with Filoil to initially set up "portagas" stations in key places in Metro Manila for an assured supply of diesel fuel that is cheaper by 40 centavos per liter.
De Luna said plans have been drawn to set up Filoil portagas stations in Quezon City, Pasig, Taguig and nearby areas in Tanay, Cainta and Rodriguez (Montalban) in Rizal.
He said fuel stations would also be put up in Dinalupihan, Bataan; Majayjay in Laguna; and another in Bulacan which is expected to be completed next month.
De Luna said 10 portagas stations will be initially installed as part of the plan to put up a total of 100 portable diesel stations in major jeepney terminals in Metro Manila, Laguna, Rizal, Bataan, Cavite, Pampanga, Bulacan, Batangas, Nueva Ecija and Zambales.
He said Filoil will initially finance the construction of the 100 diesel stations.
De Luna said that the jeepney groups will also make arrangements with the national and local government units to finance the expansion of the portagas stations nationwide.
The PCDO-ACTO, along with Pasang Masda and the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON), have entered into an agreement with Filoil to set up their own diesel fuel stations at a discounted price.
Aside from the cheaper diesel fuel, Filoil has agreed to shoulder the accident insurance and health benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) for members of the transport groups.
Filoil senior project director Francisco Pasicolan explained the benefits granted to the jeepney drivers and operators patronizing the portagas stations will translate into an actual direct and indirect discount in diesel of 60 centavos per liter.
Transport group leaders led by De Luna met with Pasicolan and Filoil executives offering the oil company a ready market in exchange for setting up diesel stations in major jeepney terminals.
De Luna said their move is to find a small independent oil company who can guarantee a steady supply of diesel at discounted rates, instead of calling for the usual transport strike or boycotting the three big oil companies.
He said the government will play an important role in the project since a large chunk of subsidy for the 100 portagas stations will come from the Department of Energy’s Gasoline Station Lending and Financial Assistance Program.
Pasicolan, for his part, said other oil companies do not see the portagas plan as a threat to their business.
"The (portagas) program also offers an opportunity for other oil companies to participate by supplying refined petroleum products at much lower prices because there is no capital investment involved in their distribution effort," Pasicolan said.
"The portagas stations will serve as an infrastructure for the transport sector as their fuel station area," he added.