The Sangguniang Panlungsod passed a resolution on Monday urging Congress to look into the difference in oil prices in Metro Manila and in Puerto Princesa City.
“Compared sa Metro Manila, nakaraang linggo ang presyo ng gasolina ay 49-52 pesos. Sampung piso ang diperensiya. At yung diesel from 37-44 pesos, ganun kalaki ang diperensiya,” Councilor Maristela said in his speech.
“Nagsagawa kami ng research, kinumpara namin sa region. Sa Calapan, ang diesel ay 41-43 pesos lamang, dito sa Puerto, 50-51, may diperensiyang 9 pesos. Sa Occidental Mindoro naman, 45-50 lamang nakaraang linggo, so may diperensiyang 5-10 pesos. At sa Marinduque naman, 43-49 so may diperensiyang 7 pesos,” he added.
(Compared to Metro Manila, gas prices last week were at 49-52 pesos. That’s a 10-peso difference. It’s the same with diesel, that costs 37-44 pesos there. The difference is that big.)
(We did research, comparing fuel prices with other provinces in MIMAROPA. In Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, diesel there only costs 41-43 pesos, where diesel here in Puerto Princesa costs 50-51 pesos, which is a 9-peso difference. Meanwhile, in Occidental Mindoro, it’s at 45-50 pesos last week, so that’s a 5-10-peso difference. And in Marinduque, it’s at 43-49 so there’s a 7-peso difference.)
Maristela also noted that this has been a long-standing matter, not only with locals but with visitors as well.
“Kaya ako ay humihiling sana sa mga kasamahan nating konsehal na ito ay obserbasyon, hindi lang ng mga taga Puerto Princesa, kundi maging ng mga bisita natin dito na nanggagaling sa iba’t ibang lugar, sabi nila, bakit daw napakataas ng presyo ng krudo at gasoline dito sa Puerto Princesa, ilang beses na ring ipinatawag dito yung mga representatives ng mga gasoline station, at mga supplier ng gasoline, panahon pa ni Kon. Jonjie Rodriguez ito.”
(That’s why I’m asking our fellow councilors (to pass this resolution), as this has been observed, not only by locals, but by visitors from different places as well, they’re wondering why oil prices here in Puerto Princesa are very high. We’ve summoned representatives from local gas stations, as well as gas suppliers several times. This has been going on since Councilor Jonjie Rodriguez’s time.)
Councilor Jonjie Rodriguez headed the Committee on Energy during the previous term.
Councilor Dilig supported the resolution, saying that it would help lower fuel prices in the province, which is significantly higher than other provinces in MIMAROPA.
“Ako ay naniniwala sa sinabi niya [Maristela], at ako’y sumusuporta rin sa layuning mababaan ang fuel dito sa ating lalawigan.”, he said.
(I believe what he’s saying, and I support lowering oil prices here in our province.)
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