A challenge to senatorial bets

AS THE official campaign period for the May 2013 election has started, we from Piston Party-list, together with other progressive party-list under the Makabayan Coalition, enjoin the rest of the Filipino people in their aspiration for a clean and honest election as well as better living conditions.

Considering the high legislative powers bestowed upon the Senate, we therefore challenge the senatorial candidates to respond to the woes not only of the transport sector, but also of the general public, to control the almost weekly increases of oil prices.

As of February 5, 2012, price hikes include P1.05 per liter for premium gasoline, 75 centavos per liter for regular gasoline, 45 centavos per liter for diesel and kerosene. This marks the third week that the prices have gone up. These prices are even set to increase as projected by energy secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla due to the recent movements and tensions in oil producing Middle East.

The increasing prices not only contribute to the adverse effect on the drivers’ and operators’ income but also the riding public who were affected by fare hikes and the farmers who use petroleum-based products.

We from the transport sector do not believe the government’s alibi that their hands are tied when it comes to controlling oil price. In fact, there are medium-term and long term solutions available on the political table.

There are several solutions that we urge the prospective senators might consider in bringing down the prices of petroleum products, ranging from the reduction or removal of the Value added tax (Vat) on oil to avoid the “pass-on-the consumer” practice of oil cartel business and the review or the eventual repeal of the oil deregulation law to pave way for a government's active intervention on critical issues on the oil industry, including the remedy of alternative source and supply of fuel and energy. (Jaylord Guiao/Gary Ben Villocino)