Douche of the Moment: Oil Companies in the Philippines

Wow…look at these guys. Everyone is having a hard time adjusting to the natural calamities and the oil companies are the last ones to provide the much needed service. I'm in Visayas so the price hike can be a bit annoying and if I want it, I want to stop the hike (who doesn't). Mindanao is also having economic trouble even before oil deregulation was introduced. Luzon and especially NCR seemed to be having trouble as well - but since they are near the central power, they can breathe easier than the rest of us folks down here.

But typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng have virtually downed most of Luzon for a few days and will continue to do so for a few months. You've seen acts of heroisms from unknown individuals, celebrities (I don't like them but) and other organizations. They are doing everything they can to help. The oil firms on the other hand are thinking of their losses when they do not freeze the prices of their fuel. Wow. A market lady who earns only 300-500 a day can still implement price freeze in response to the devastation but the million-dollar (with an $) companies are not going to life one finger.

Sure, they still have other activities to help the poor. But instead of asking for a price cut, why not do something beneficial to the folks at Luzon and do a TEMPORARY FREEZE ON RATES. You know what's the keyword there? Temporary. That means it's not permanent.

Douches.