DAVAO CITY – Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte and Second District Rep. Omar Vicente Duterte filed a bill to prevent sudden increases in fuel prices by repealing the Oil Deregulation Law and establishing an Oil Price Stabilization Fund (OPSF).
House Bill 8377, also known as the proposed Oil Industry Regulation and National Energy Security Act, seeks to give the government the authority to determine whether gas stations may raise prices.
“Fuel is not a luxury. It is the lifeblood of our economy. Uncontrolled surges in oil prices trigger a domino effect, raising the costs of transportation, food, and basic utilities, thereby pushing more Filipinos into poverty,” the father-and-son lawmakers said in a statement.
The Duterte lawmakers said that by restoring government oversight, the bill seeks to protect ordinary Filipinos’ interests by addressing concerns about transparency and anti-competitive practices, and by fostering a fair market environment through government control.
Under the proposed measure, the OPSF would provide sufficient funding to gas stations affected by global oil price increases, ensuring that consumer protection does not compromise supply stability.
Meanwhile, Fermin Edillon, reputation management manager of the Davao Light and Power Company, addressed possible electricity rate adjustments during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel in Davao City on Wednesday, April 8.
Edillon noted that a rate review may take effect on April 15 or 16 due to fluctuations in fuel prices influenced by the Middle East crisis, but clarified that the impact would likely be minimal.
“Whatever electricity we purchase, we simply pass it on to customers. What you’re paying Davao Light for is the delivery of electricity,” he said, assuring that the company monitors market rates and shifts to generator sets when economically viable.
Regarding WESM, Edillon said the nationwide suspension by the Energy Regulatory Commission on March 26 was primarily a market intervention to regulate high power rates amid a supply shortage.
“Properly managing your electricity usage is the best way to avoid higher expenses,” Edillon stressed, adding that claims of rotational brownouts circulating on social media are unfounded and encouraged consumers to check DLPC’s official website. (By Ivy Tejano)
