Briton complains: Gasoline prices in quake-hit areas rise

GUIHULNGAN CITY ,Philippines  – A Briton living in La Libertad town, one of the worst-hit sites in Negros Oriental by the earthquake, complained that gasoline prices in the affected areas have more than doubled, from P60 to P150 per liter.

David Findis, a British national who married a Filipina and residing in La Libertad, told The FREEMAN that the fare of habal-habal or motorcycle-for-hire also increased its price three to four times than the regular fare, adding that this made it difficult for the average Filipino to pay.

Businessmen have been taking advantage of the situation in Negros Oriental, and the government must act on this, said Findis.

Findis said he is sorry for the Filipinos here who are suffering from the destruction. “People here were unfortunate and were caught surprise by the earthquake,” he said.

Findis, whose house was partially damaged but all his appliances were destroyed, challenged the Philippine government to immediately repair the infrastructures destroyed by the earthquake.

“It is a challenge to the government to provide water and repair the roads and bridges immediately,” he said.

The Briton however lauded the government for its effort in distributing relief goods although he opined that it must focus also on replacing immediately the damaged pipes of the water system.