Senator Win Gatchalian has raised the possibility of a Senate investigation if local fuel prices fail to reflect the recent drop in global oil costs, warning that Filipino motorists are not receiving timely relief at the pump.
Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT), said authorities are monitoring international crude price movements closely.
He stressed that any significant delay in local adjustments compared to global declines could trigger a formal inquiry.
“Kapag tumaas ang presyo sa international market, kaagad tumataas dito. Pero kapag bumababa, parang mabagal ang pagbaba. Hindi pwedeng tanggapin lang natin ito,” the senator said in a radio interview, citing what analysts call the “rocket and feather” effect.
He urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure that fuel stations mirror global price trends more accurately, warning that penalties may be imposed on companies that fail to comply.
“Kapag hindi bumaba, dapat parusahan. Iimbestigahan namin ito,” Gatchalian added.
Global oil prices have reportedly fallen from over $110 per barrel to around $93 amid easing geopolitical tensions. Despite this, Gatchalian noted that the expected reduction has not been fully passed on to Filipino consumers.
The senator also pointed to structural weaknesses in the country’s oil deregulation policy, saying these limitations restrict the government’s ability to monitor pricing practices and protect public interest.