pr - Transport workers storm DOE, press 5-point program to abate oil price crisis

Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Transportasyon (PMT)

March 14, 2011

Press Release

Transport workers storm DOE,

press 5-point program to abate oil price crisis

More than 100 members of the militant transport group Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Transportasyon (PMT) stormed the office of the Department of Energy in Taguig Monday morning to denounce the agency’s incompetence in the face of successive price spikes of petroleum products in the country. The group also proposed their 5-point program to abate the negative impact of price hikes and initiate reforms to decisively resolve the recurring oil price crisis.

Eight (8) price hikes have already been recorded barely three months into the new year. From an average of P36 for diesel and P44 for unleaded gasoline in December 2010, average prices today have ballooned to P45 for diesel and P54 for unleaded gasoline. This translates to a monthly increase of more than P3. These increases have been blamed on the continued rise of oil prices in the world trade brought about by market uncertainties and worries following persistent unrest in the Middle East and North Africa.

“The unconscionable increase of petroleum prices in the country is the result of the exploitative nature of oil companies aided by an incompetent government. World spot prices may be going up but local companies do not have any reason to hike prices here. We believe that the hike in world market prices simply stem from speculation and the consequent reaction of local oil players is outright opportunism and price manipulation (admitted by Pilipinas Shell in a paid ad). What is even more stupid is for the government, particularly the Department of Energy (DOE), to say that such increases are justified.” declared PMT Secretary General Larry Pascua.

“Such increases will surely bring about a chain reaction in the price of basic commodities and services. How will the ordinary Filipino worker cope when their average income is not even enough to cover daily family expenses? For us transport workers, the negative impact is twice over as our already meager income will shrink further with the increase of petroleum prices. The government should listen to the masses because it is us who are hit heaviest.” added Pascua.

“We are tired of these oil companies robbing us. We want this stopped now. We want petroleum prices frozen immediately to the level of December 2010 before the Middle East and North African crises. Second, we want the Value-Added Tax on petroleum products scrapped or at the least suspended. Third, we want this administration to enter into substantial government-to-government supply deals with nearby oil producing countries (Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei) or with those known to supply oil at lower prices such as Venezuela. Fourth, we want, the books of these oil companies opened to public scrutiny. And, of course, we want the Oil Deregulation Law scrapped, 23 years of swindling and burglary is an abomination” declared Pascua.

“Transport workers are ready to show this administration who the boss really is. This mass action is only the beginning. The voice of the masses will be heard. Persian winds may just be blowing in our direction.” concluded Pascua.