Guv launches signature drive for fuel price cut

SIQUIJOR, SIQUIJOR, Philippines - Governor Orlando Fua, Jr. led the launching of a signature campaign at the Capitol for the reduction of gasoline prices in Siquijor province.

The governor presented detailed data on different prices between Manila, Cebu and Siquijor. Between 745 km spanning Manila and Cebu, the difference in gasoline prices is only P0.91 centavos, as of August 2, with Cebu enjoying the cheaper price. However with Siquijor only 179 km away from Cebu, the price difference is P4.25.

Fua attributed this to cartelization between Petron and its dealers in the island, who he alleged have carved out a virtual monopoly of gasoline in the province.

The cheaper prices of fuel in Cebu may be due to a case filed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia against Petron, Shell and Caltex in 2009, forcing the Big Three to lower their prices there, said Fua, adding that if Siquijodnons need to file a case to lower gasoline prices in Siquijor, they will file it too.

Fua said that even if gasoline prices in Dumaguete City is higher than in Siquijor by 10 centavos, this doesn’t argue in favor of Petron and its dealers. This could be because Dumaguete is even nearer to Cebu than Siquijor and the freight cost is cheaper and that, in terms of demand, gasoline consumption in Dumaguete is at least ten times more than in Siquijor, he said.

By economies of scale, Dumaguete should have cheaper gasoline than Siquijor by reason of a wider consumer base. Without any cogent factor to justify the price difference, it proves the arbitrary pricing scheme of Petron in selling its gasoline in the region, the governor said.

The governor said that if Dumaguete consumers refuse to protest this inequity and opts to keep silent, this should not be a reason why Siquijodnons should follow suit and keep silent too. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing, he said.

Fua pleaded for support from various organizations, local and barangay officials, transport and business groups, officers from the national government agencies, private citizens and all who are commonly affected by the high prices of gasoline in Siquijor.

He also asked the assistance of the National Anti-Poverty Commission, through Secretary Joel Rocamora and coordinator Jose Pernes to help in the campaign, because the high prices of gasoline are directly related to poverty alleviation.

At the launching, Fua said the petition has already gathered more than 1,000 signatures and, upon reaching a critical number, he will submit it to the Joint Task Force of the Department of Justice and the Department of Energy for investigation for possible violation of RA 8479 or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998.

The governor has also considered bringing the case to the local courts, adding that if Siquijodnons will not protest the violation of their rights, who else will protest for them. “If they do not protest now, when shall they start to do so,” he said. – THE FREEMAN