Transparency in oil price hike sought

ZAMBALES Representative Mitos Magsaysay challenged utility firms to be more transparent before implementing hikes in their rates amid new increases in oil prices.

Magsaysay said the issue of unchecked hikes in oil prices is a separate matter that needs legislative adjustments but still, these firms need to exercise social responsibility and explain the reason behind these adjustments.

“The regular consumers are the most affected here because they cannot escape paying for electricity, which is expected to increase their rates in the following months and water as well, because these are necessities,” she said.

She said the people need an explanation for them to be aware as to where their money goes and so they will know if the new charges or the increases are justifiable.

Earlier, City Councilor Alden Bacal, chairman of the City Council’s committee on public utility, warned motorela drivers and operators who refused to lower the P7 regular fare to P6 as prices of petroleum products have decreased in the past few weeks.

“It is stated in the ordinance that if the price of gasoline reaches P60 per liter, the fare shall be automatically P7 and if it goes down to P50 per liter, they should automatically lower the fare to P6,” Bacal said.

He said he received some complaints that there are hard-headed
motorela drivers and operators who get mad and scold passengers who pay only P6.

With this, Bacal advised passengers to get the plate number and the operator’s name and report it for legal action. (Annabelle L. Ricalde)