The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Palawan expressed strong support for the amendment or revision of Republic Act No. 8479 or “Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998. This is through a resolution entitled” Strongly Supporting the Call and Move to Amend/Revise the Republic Act No. 8479 Otherwise Known as the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998. “authored by Board Member Ryan Dagsa Maminta.
According to BM Maminta, the lack of control over the continuous rise of petroleum products took place when RA 8479 or Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Law (DOIL) was enacted which gave freedom to the country’s oil industry in operation and in control of its price in conjunction with wanting the industry to be competitive to get the lowest price that Filipinos can avail.
“Sa kasamaang-palad ay tila iba ang nangyari, sa halip na maging mahusay ay naging mas mabigat ang naging resulta ng DODL. Sa katunayan, naging pahirap ito. Tila nawalan ng kompetisyon pababa at ang nangyari ay kompetisyon pataas. At ito na ang sitwasyon ngayon, mabigat sa mamamayan, lalo’t higit sa mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan katulad ng mga drayber, mangingisda, magsasaka at mga ordinaryong manggagawa.” as stated on Board Member’s Facebook post.
Maminta added that the Congress and the Senate, as well as the Department of Energy (DOE) should take steps to study that revision and amendment or if possible repeal and replace legislation that will balance the interests of industry and above all, protection of the Filipino people against the relentless rise of petroleum products, as well as the so -called “transparency” for the people.
“The much needed amendment of the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998 is necessary to prevent sudden fuel price spikes, ensure transparency and protect na the rights of the consumers to enjoy a fair and reasonable price of petroleum products.” as stated in the Resolution No. 15822.
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