Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz called for an inquiry into the continued increase in fuel prices and its impact on basic commodities, warning of a growing economic strain on Dabawenyo families.
Delivering a privilege speech during the session of the 21st City Council on Tuesday, Dalodo-Ortiz highlighted how successive oil price hikes had driven up transportation fares, food prices, and utility costs.
“I rise today on a matter of urgent public concern one that directly affects the daily lives of our constituents the continuing increase in oil prices and the resulting surge in the cost of basic commodities,” Dalodo-Ortiz said.
She noted that the effects were being felt most by workers, drivers, small entrepreneurs, and marginalized sectors.
“For our workers, drivers, small entrepreneurs, and marginalized sectors, this is not merely an economic inconvenience it is a serious challenge to their day-to-day survival,” she said.
Dalodo-Ortiz emphasized that while national agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Energy (DOE) primarily handle oil pricing and commodity regulation, the local government must take an active role in addressing the situation.
“We, at the level of the Local Government of Davao, cannot afford to remain passive. Our mandate is clear: to safeguard the welfare of our constituents and to respond proactively to issues that directly impact their well-being,” she said.
She added that local service providers, including Davao Light and Power Company and the Davao City Water District (DCWD), also played a role in determining utility costs that contribute to the overall cost of living.
As chairperson of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dalodo-Ortiz stressed the need to intensify market monitoring and prevent abusive practices.
“It is imperative that we intensify our monitoring of market conditions, strengthen coordination with concerned agencies, and ensure that there is no profiteering, hoarding, or unjustified price increases among businesses operating in our city,” she said.
She also urged the council to explore measures that could cushion the impact on consumers and review existing local policies to ensure their effectiveness.
“This situation calls for a comprehensive review of our local regulatory framework… We must be proactive, not reactive,” she said.
Dalodo-Ortiz then formally requested that the council proceed with an inquiry involving national agencies and local utility providers to determine the causes of price increases and identify possible interventions to protect consumers.
