Transport group PISTON criticized the Department of Energy (DOE) over the recent back-and-forth adjustments in oil prices, calling it a form of double-dealing that heavily burdens motorists, especially those in the transport sector.
In an interview during DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries on Sunday, PISTON National President Mody Floranda pointed to the P2.60 per liter hike in fuel prices on both June 24 and 26, followed by up to P2 rollback next week, as part of DOE's "outright deception."
"Kung titingnan natin ang P5.20 na itinaas ng mga kumpanya ng langis bagama't nag-rollback sila ng P2, kumita sila ng P3.20 per liter," said Floranda.
Floranda expressed concern over the apparent silence from Malacañang regarding the impact of these fluctuations.
"Malinaw an dapat pakialaman ito ng pamahalaan dahil kung titingnan natin ginagawa nilang laruan ang pagbaba at pagtaas [presyo ng petrolyo]," he added.
The transport leader reiterated PISTON's longstanding call for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law, arguing that since its implementation, it has failed to protect the public and should be scrapped. He also emphasized that the country's oil industry should return to government regulation.
According to Floranda, there was a proposed measure to repeal the oil deregulation law filed during the 19th Congress, and discussions are underway to refile it in the 20th Congress.
Floranda also opposed the government's initial plan to provide fuel subsidies, stating that it is not the most urgent need of the transport sector.
"Noong unang marinig natin ang fuel subsidy na na ibibigay ng gobyerno, malinaw ang ating posisyon na hindi naman subsidy ang kailangang ibigay ng gobyerno, nakatingin tayo sa kabuuang hindi lang sa sektor ng transportasyon," said Floranda.
"Noong ilabas siya ng DOTr at LTFRB, ang sabi namin hindi iyan ang kailangan. Kasi kung titingnan natin kahit magbigay sila ay halimbawa ng P6,500, kung kami ay nagco-consume ng 30 liters, halos 4 na araw lamang ang P6,500," he added.
On Tuesday, the DOE announced that it has reached an agreement with oil companies for the staggered implementation of fuel price adjustments.
DOE Officer-in-Charge Sharon S. Garin explained that the move was in response to rising global oil prices, influenced by geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as market volatility.
According to a Reuters report, Brent crude futures rose by 1.97 percent to $78.53 per barrel following a U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. Iran is the third-largest crude oil producer among OPEC+ countries.
