Davao City Council Calls for Greater Transparency in Fuel Pricing Amid Rising Costs
Councilor Myrna Dalodo Ortiz spearheaded a critical discussion during a Davao City Council inquiry on fuel prices, held on Monday, March 30, 2026. The session emphasized the urgent need for clearer and data-driven breakdowns from oil companies as escalating costs continue to burden consumers.
Inquiry Highlights Lack of Detailed Information
The Sangguniang Panlungsod, through its Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Industry chaired by Councilor Ortiz, is intensifying its investigation into rising gasoline prices. This move comes in response to growing public concern over the impact on transportation, basic goods, and daily living expenses. In a narrative report provided to SunStar Davao, Ortiz revealed that national agencies, including the Department of Energy and the Department of Trade and Industry, were previously invited to outline pricing mechanisms and regulations.
During the recent session, the focus shifted to local industry players. Representatives from Petron Corp., Insular Oil Corp., My Gas, Petroleum, and Chevron Philippines attended. While these firms assured the council of stable fuel supply, with stocks secured through March and reserves expected to last until April, they failed to provide specific data on price computations.
Council Criticizes Vague Responses from Oil Companies
Ortiz expressed frustration over the lack of concrete information, stating that responses from oil companies remained general in nature. The committee noted that no clear breakdowns were presented to substantiate pricing structures, limiting the council's ability to assess the situation effectively. "While we appreciate the participation of oil companies, the absence of detailed and data-backed answers hampers our efforts to craft evidence-based policies," Ortiz emphasized.
She underscored the necessity for greater transparency and accountability in fuel pricing, particularly as consumers bear the brunt of increasing costs. To address these gaps, the council plans to convene a broader committee hearing next week, involving more stakeholders from both government and the private sector.
Upcoming Hearing to Involve Multiple Stakeholders
Expected participants in the upcoming hearing include:
- Government agencies such as the Departments of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Energy, and Transportation.
- Regulatory bodies like the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
- City offices including the City Legal Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Davao City Police Office.
Private sector groups, such as the local chamber of commerce and oil industry representatives, may also be invited again, with the council anticipating more concrete and data-driven inputs. This inquiry is part of the city's broader effort to better understand fuel price movements and mitigate their impact on Dabawenyos, especially as global uncertainties continue to influence local energy markets.
