Cong. Alcover supports Cebu Gov. Garcia’s filing of charges against 3 big oil companies

The disparity in prices of oil products is so glaring that government should move-in to stop the malpractice of some oil companies perceived to be manipulating the prices of oil products sold to end consumers, in the country.

Cong. Jun Alcover of ANAD Partylist expressed his surprise upon knowing that prices of oil products in Cebu, sold by Chevron, Petron, and Shell, are higher compared to that in Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and Davao Cities. Alcover noted that the price of diesel fuel in Cebu is higher by Php 6.31 per liter compared to the same item sold in Manila; unleaded gasoline is Php 7.69 higher in Cebu compared to that in Manila; LPG is higher in Cebu at Php 5.78 per kilo compared to that in Manila.

Also, Alcover was surprised upon learning that the average price of gasoline products is higher in Cebu by Php 4.83 compared to Cagayan de Oro, Php 1.02 compared to that in Iloilo; and Php 3.46 per liter compared to that in Davao.

“We cannot just close our eyes to this grim reality adversely affecting the lives of Cebuanos,” said Alcover. “Indeed it is predatory pricing as it intends not to help Cebu grow but to add more burden to the Cebuanos, as a whole. Instead it helps a lot to support the communist propaganda.” Alcover added.

Cong. Alcover made this reaction as he expressed his unqualified support to Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia’s filing of a criminal case against the 3 big oil companies before the Department of Energy-Department of Justice Task Force on Oil Deregulation. “I support Gov. Garcia’s intent of opening up the book of accounts of these companies so that we will know the truth,” Alcover pointed out.

“If there is a necessity to file a bill to amend Republic Act 8479 or otherwise known as Downstream Oil Deregulation Act of l998, then we will move for it in the Lower House,” Alcover said. “Also, if these oil companies doesn’t heed our call, then let us launch pressure actions against these 3 oil companies,” Alcover clarified.

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PRESS/BROADCAST RELEASE NO. 0523-1
May 23, 2009
Reference: Rey A. Salas
Spokesman
Tel. No. (02) 489-7662