House reso filed as state economist flags 'excessive' oil marginsA gasoline pump attendant adjusts a price board at a gas station in Paco, Manila on April 7, 2026, after the implementation of another round of fuel price hikes. MANILA, Philippines — Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan’s remarks on “seemingly excessive” oil industry margins during the current price shock have inspired a push in the House of Representatives to investigate possible anti-competitive practices. House probe filedFollowing the remarks, De Lima filed House Resolution 914, directing the House Committee on Energy to conduct an inquiry into the sharp rise in diesel prices and possible market abuse. The resolution seeks to determine why the Philippines has been among the worst affected by the global oil shock and whether existing laws remain adequate to protect consumers. The lawmaker earlier filed House Bill 8824 seeking to amend the Oil Deregulation Law by strengthening monitoring mechanisms and competition safeguards while preserving market openness.

Source: Philippine Star April 12, 2026 07:51 UTC