BACOLOD City – National government agencies and concerned city offices have been urged to intensify monitoring of gasoline stations to ensure that announced fuel price rollbacks are implemented promptly and fully.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved on November 11 a resolution authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito calling on the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bacolod City Price Monitoring Council, and other concerned offices to strengthen inspections and monitoring of fuel retailers.
The measure seeks to ensure that price reductions announced by oil companies are reflected at gasoline pumps on their respective effective dates and times, preventing consumers from being shortchanged.
Under the resolution, the City Price Monitoring Council, City Legal Office, and Business Permits and Licensing Division are urged to coordinate with national agencies in verifying actual pump prices, conducting regular inspections, and documenting possible violations.
Distrito stressed that consumers should immediately benefit from fuel price reductions once these are announced by oil companies.
“Kon may gin-anunsyo nga rollback ang mga oil companies, dapat maimplementar ini sa insakto nga oras kag petsa. Indi dapat ma-delay ang benepisyo nga para sa mga konsumidor,” he said.
He noted that every peso saved on fuel expenses matters, particularly for jeepney and tricycle drivers, delivery riders, workers, small business owners, and ordinary motorists grappling with rising living costs.
The resolution also calls for an accessible consumer complaint mechanism where motorists can report gasoline stations that fail to implement announced price reductions.
Concerned offices are likewise urged to document suspected violations and refer verified complaints to the DOE and other appropriate authorities for possible sanctions or other lawful remedies.
Periodic monitoring reports are also requested to be submitted to the Office of the City Mayor, with copies furnished to the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Distrito clarified that the resolution does not seek to regulate or dictate petroleum prices, recognizing that the downstream oil industry operates under Republic Act 8479, or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998.
Instead, the measure aims to promote transparency, accountability, and compliance with price adjustments publicly announced by oil companies.
“We cannot allow consumers to be shortchanged. If oil companies announce a price rollback, gasoline stations must faithfully implement their announced reductions,” Distrito said.
He added that the initiative seeks to protect Bacolodnon consumers, promote fair business practices, and ensure that the benefits of lower fuel prices reach the public./PN
