Kabataan Partylist Representative Raymond “Mong” Palatino today said with the government implementing the price freeze for only 27 days, EO 839 became nothing but a publicity stunt by Malacanang. EO 839 mandates that oil prices in Luzon, particularly in areas affected by the typhoon Ondoy, remain in their October 15 rates.

“EO 839 attempted to change the government’s image of siding with big oil companies. In the end, when it scrapped the price freeze, it revealed its ugly face-that it will continue to allow the profiteering designs by oil companies at the expense of the Filipinos,” he said.

Palatino said the 27-day price freeze was not long enough to make a siginificant impact on oil prices.

“When Malacanang ordered the prize freeze, oil prices were already overpriced by P5.48 per liter,” he said, adding that price increases also occurred in areas not covered by EO 839 while it was still in effect.

“Malacanang said it scrapped the order on the condition that oil firms will implement discounts on oil products in selected areas and provide help to flood victims. Such conditions, however, are inadequate because the oil prices have increased to unbelievable levels because of the continued implementation of the Oil Deregulation Law,” Palatino said.

Meanwhile, Palatino said oil companies who will be found  hoarding oil supplies should be charged with economic sabotage.