Iloilo city: The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Western Visayas (DILG-6) is set to issue a memorandum urging local government units to reactivate their Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) due to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative follows an inter-agency consultation meeting on March 9, organized by DILG-6, focused on fuel price monitoring and anti-hoarding measures. Regional Legal Officer Junine Wednesday Java stated that during the meeting, specific roles were outlined, with DILG tasked with overseeing the activation of the LPCCs. These councils are intended to monitor fuel supply and retail prices in the region.
The memorandum, which is still being drafted, will soon be distributed to ensure compliance and awareness. Java noted that as of the coordination meeting, monitoring showed no supply disruptions or impacts on essential services in the region, as reported by the Office of Civil Defense.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of continuous coordination among agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Energy (DOE). These agencies were encouraged to appoint focal persons to facilitate real-time information sharing.
Java mentioned that enforcement actions against violators would be swift, including issuing show-cause orders for premature fuel price hikes. Coordination with the Department of Energy is crucial, as they have the authority to issue such orders. Complaints regarding violations can also be directed to national government agencies.
At the local level, LPCCs are empowered to report violations within their jurisdiction to local government units for appropriate action. In a related development, Mayor Raisa signed Executive Order No. 033 on Thursday, reconstituting the Iloilo City Local Price Coordinating Council (ICLPCC), which will monitor prices of basic goods and petroleum products and suggest measures to maintain price stability.
