Group hits Marcos' EO 110

Local

CEBU motorists and transport workers are facing rising costs as diesel prices climb past P100 per liter, even as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a national energy emergency in response to disruptions in global oil supply caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Central Visayas criticized Executive Order No. 110 on Thursday, March 26, calling it a misleading measure that fails to provide real relief to those most affected.

“EO 110 fails to address the real problem faced by drivers and commuters who are forced to endure daily high fuel prices,” said BAYAN Central Visayas chairperson Jaime Paglinawan.

As of Thursday, March 26, a gasoline station in Cebu City, diesel is sold for up to P136.50 per liter, while gasoline is priced at P106.60 per liter.

What is EO 110?

Signed on March 24, under the EO, the government launched the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport to safeguard energy supply, maintain essential services, and address global oil disruptions.

The Department of Energy, PNOC, and PNOC Exploration Corporation are tasked with stabilizing domestic fuel supply and procuring fuel when needed.

The Department of Transportation will provide fuel and fare subsidies, expand public transport through the Libreng Sakay Program, and review temporary reductions of tolls, aviation charges, and landing fees.

Other agencies, including Social Welfare, Agriculture, Trade and Industry, and Migrant Workers, are directed to support vulnerable sectors such as transport workers, farmers, fisherfolk, displaced workers, and repatriated OFWs.

'No relief still'

Despite these measures, Bayan Central Visayas said EO 110 fails to address the root causes of high fuel costs, noting that operating under the Oil Deregulation Law leaves oil pricing largely in the hands of private corporations.

The group said companies remain free to pass on global price increases to consumers while continuing to profit.

They claimed that transport workers are forced to work longer hours to cover fuel expenses, and commuters face rising fares and fewer transport options.

The progressive group reiterated its demands for urgent government action. This includes rolling back oil prices to P55 per liter based on actual costs.

It also calls for removing VAT and excise taxes to reduce pump prices by at least P20 per liter.

They also propose a P5 fare hike for commuters, while demanding the implementation of a P1,200 national minimum wage.

Additionally, Bayan Central Visayas urges the nationalization oil industry to ensure a stable and affordable fuel supply.

Nationalization of the oil industry refers to the government taking control of oil production, distribution, and assets from private or foreign companies to manage the resource for national benefit and strengthen economic sovereignty.

The executive order will remain in effect for one year unless lifted or extended by the President, and the group urged the public to reject what it described as "empty declarations" and demand concrete measures to reduce fuel costs and protect livelihoods.(Kaiser Jan Fuentes)