Palace won't yield to giant firms over oil price cap issue

The Palace will not bow down to the demands of the giants. While Malacañang is duty-bound to respect the decision of the court on the petition filed by Pilipinas Shell against EO 839, it will not change its stand that the price cap that the government imposed on oil products is for the good of the majority. "As I mentioned, the government will not be blackmailed by oil companies on this issue... (The Palace) will standby on what it is doing for the greater good of the greatest number." said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde on Saturday over government-run radio dzRB.

"That is the right of Shell under the law to seek redress for imagined grievances (but) it is the right of the people to complain against what they feel are opportunistic tendencies of dambuhalang (big) companies," added Remonde. On Friday, Shell filed an urgent petition with the Makati Regional Trial Court to order Malacañang to lift the directive, which freezes Luzon fuel prices to October 15 levels. Shell’s petition for prohibition, mandamus, and injunction sought a temporary restraining order on the implementation of EO 839, which the firm claimed was unconstitutional. Remonde did not discuss about the government's legal strategy to counter Shell's petition, but said that "oil companies should listen to the voice of the people." He said that while the Palace would surely follow the court’s ruling if it issues a temporary restraining order, “the question is whether Shell will abide." “Consistent ang ating government (The government is consistent). We have always been for the rule of law and we always abide by court decision once these are final and executory," said Remonde. - GMANews.TV