MANILA – A lawmaker has described government intervention in fuel pricing as a timely move amid the continued rise in petroleum costs affecting consumers.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said Executive Order No. 110, which placed the country under a National State of Energy Emergency, was an appropriate response to the persistent increase in fuel prices since March.
He said the policy has provided relief as global and domestic fuel prices continue to climb.
Gatchalian emphasized the need for greater transparency in fuel price adjustments, noting that consumers deserve a clear explanation of how oil companies determine changes in pump prices.
Given the country’s dependence on imported fuel, he said the public should be fully informed about pricing computations, urging the Department of Energy to provide a clearer breakdown of the process.
“The public deserves to know the math,” he said, stressing the importance of accountability in pricing.
The senator also backed the continued use of emergency government powers to help regulate fuel costs in favor of consumers.
As chair of the Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee, Gatchalian said the Senate will continue monitoring fuel price movements to ensure that increases remain reasonable and justified.
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