News Release

March 29, 2012

The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) today called on the Aquino government to remove the Value Added Tax on electricity, saying the move can provide immediate relief for power consumers reeling from escalating rates.

The VAT on power was introduced, along with the VAT on oil, during the regime of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. It has been assailed for being oppressive since all items in the electric bill, including non-service related items such as systems losses and franchise taxes, are subjected to VAT.

Recently the Energy Regulatory Commission approved an increase in generation rates for Napocor which would impact the entire nation, in varying degrees and depending on the electricity distributor.

“Malacanang is not powerless to bring down power rates. It can push for the removal, suspension or reduction of the VAT on power rates which will greatly benefit consumers. It should be considered especially for Mindanao consumers whose only option now is to source power from more expensive barges,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

According to Bayan, Meralco consumers who use 100-300 kWh a month will stand to benefit anywhere from P70 to P290 monthly reduction in power rates.

“There are many compelling arguments to remove the VAT on power. It is a tax that is being imposed on items in our electric bill which are not even related to the actual electricity we use. For example, even systems losses, or electricity that we did not use, is being subjected to VAT. That is patently unfair for consumers. The bigger the systems loss, the more VAT we pay,” Reyes said.

“Taxes such as the local franchise tax are also being subjected to VAT. That is a tax on a tax,” he added.

EPIRA is main culprit in rising power rates

While the removal of the VAT is only a short term measure, Bayan sees the EPIRA as the long-term problem that has resulted in high electricity rates.

Based on available data, Bayan said that the average power rates of Meralco customers more than doubled during the period EPIRA was implemented. In 2000, the average rate was only P4.87/kWh but it 2010, the average reached P10.35/kWh or more than double the pre-EPIRA rates.



The same trend was also apparent for Napocor’s generation rates  for the Luzon grid, which Bayan said almost doubled during the 10 years of EPIRA. The average rates in 2000 was P2.39/kWh while the average rate for 2010 stood at 4.67/kWh.

“EPIRA legitimized the ‘Purchased Power Adjustment’ or the PPA that consumers protested in 2001. This cost represented electricity that was not used or delivered but had to be paid for by the consumers because of contracts with independent power producers. This item was embedded in the new charges that resulted from the unbundling of rates,” Reyes said. ###

New Release

March 30, 2012

The recently launched Coalition Against Oil Price Increase (CAOPI) will spearhead a noise barrage tomorrow March 30 against high oil prices. The protest action will be between 5-7pm in areas as Edsa cor West Avenue, Edsa cor Quezon Avenue, Edsa Cubao, Monumento in Caloocan, Philcoa in Quezon City and other parts of Metro Manila.

The group is calling on motorists and commuters to join the noise-making as a sign of protest against government inaction against the high oil prices.

Petroleum prices are expected to go up again next week according to the Department of Energy.

“We call on our consuming public to protest and to protest loudly against the uncontrolled price increases. We call on the Filipino to raise their voice against government’s stubborn inaction on various proposals that would bring down oil prices,” said CAOPI convenor,” said CAOPI convenor Sammy Malunes.

“There are many proposals for brining down oil prices, including the removal of the VAT on oil and the repeal of the oil deregulation law. There is an alternative to deregulation and that invovles regulation and nationalizing the oil industry,” said co-convenor and UP professor Danilo Arao.

Umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said that the oil companies and the Aquino government were provoking the people’s anger with the projected increase next week.

“It’s Holy Week and many will be travelling to the provinces. They will surely feel the burden of high oil prices. Even plane fares have gone up. And when they return from the provinces, it’s possible oil prices would have gone up again,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

CAOPI has called for the removal, suspension or reduction of the Value Added Tax on oil products, the repeal of the oil deregulation law, the regulation of prices in the wake of overpricing allegations, and the nationalization of the oil industry.

Its convenors support any or all of the proposed measures that are aimed to bring down oil prices.

Convenors and suppporters include Marikina Councilor Joseph “Jojo” Banzon, UP Prof. Danilo Arao, Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan, Mr. Donald Dee of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Ms. Elvira Medina of the National Council for Commuter Protection (NCCP), BAYAN secretary general Renato Reyes, Jr, former Negros Rep. Jacinto Paras, Mr. Bayan dela Cruz of the National Economic Protectionism Association (NEPA), Mr. Sonny Africa IBON and the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP).

KMU Vice-chair Sammy Malunes, Piston Chair George San Mateo, Gabriela Sec-gen Lana Linaban, Anakbayan chair Vencer Crisostomo, Kadamay Sec-Gen Bea Arellano, KMP chair Danilo Ramos and Pamalakaya chair Mr. Fernando Hicap.
Supporters of the coalition include Quezon City Rep. Winnie Castelo, Mr. Ricky Papa, President, Alliance of Concerned Truck Owners and Operators (ACTOO), Mr. Alejandro Mangune, President, Batasan Hills Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (BATODA), Mr. Emil Obcemia, Housing and Advocacy Program, Caritas Manila Inc. and Sr. Agneta Lauzon, Kilusang Makabayang Ekonomya (KME). The coalition is also being supported by religious groups, several unions and student groups. ###

News Release

March 29, 2012

The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan blames the Electric Power Industry Reform Act as the policy which contributed and aggravated the current power crisis in Mindanao. The group quoted a multi-sectoral report entitled “Power Failure: 10 years of the EPIRA” in saying that energy security has been compromised and held hostage by private profits and interests.

The EPIRA was one of the first major laws enacted under the regime of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and paved the way for the full privatization of the power industry. This included the sale of power plants to private bidders. The national government can no longer build new power plants and will have to rely on private investors for the construction of new plants to meet the growing energy needs of the country.

“The EPIRA has not brought about and will not bring about a stable electricity supply to the whole

country,” the report said.

“Under the EPIRA the projected capacity are to be constructed by Independent Power Producers. Private investors and IPPs would only build and maintain a power plant if it remains economically viable and earn profits for them,” it added.

The Department of Energy estimates that Mindanao will need some 2,500 MW in additional capacity for the next 20 years. It hopes that some 1,055 MW in capacity will be installed over the next six years but only 25% of this target is comprised of actual projects while the rest are still in the planning stage.

Bayan said that Mindanao consumer are now in a difficult situation of having to source power from expensive private power barges while having to wait for the installation of new capacity that are from privately-owned plants, which will also likely be expensive.

“The EPIRA policy of privatization has taken its toll on Mindanao. The power crisis has long been predicted by different agencies, but from the onset, the government tied its own hands.  Because of the EPIRA, government must rely on the private sector to install new capacity to meet the 270 megawatt daily deficiency,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

“With the proposal for emergency powers for the president, negotiated contracts with onerous take-or-pay provisions will once again rear their ugly heads. It brings us back to the nightmare that was the purchased power agreement (PPA) wherein consumers will have to pay for electricity that was not generated,” Reyes added.

Government intervention is necessary according to Bayan, but this should be in the form of ensuring increased capacity at reasonable rates. “There are proposals for pursuing renewable energy as opposed to the construction privately-owned coal plants. These can also be undertaken by the national government in this period of a power shortage,” Reyes said.

“The Mindanao power crisis should spur the government to re-examine the EPIRA policy of total privatization of the power sector. While short-term solutions are welcome, the people also require long-term energy security,” he added. ###

MAG-INGAY at BUMUSINA! Sumama sa protest sa March 30 NOISE BARRAGE ng CAOPI

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Gabay sa pagtalakay sa presyo ng langis

Marso 2012

Magkano na ang presyo ng langis at bakit ito tumataas?

Sa ngayon, lampas P59 kada litro na ang presyo ng gasolina habang lampas P48 naman ang diesel. Lampas P900 na ang bentahan ng liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Wala pang dalawang buwan ngayong 2012, walong beses nang tumaas ang presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo. Umaabot na sa lampas P5 kada litro ang itinaas ng presyo ng gasolina habang lampas P3 naman ang diesel simula noong Enero. Samantala, lumobo na ang presyo ng LPG nang halos P200 kada tangke. (Ang mga presyo at adjustment ay batay sa datos nitong Marso 4.)

Gaya ng dati, sinisisi ng gobyerno at ng mga kumpanya ng langis ang galaw ng presyo sa daigdig. Tumataas, halimbawa, ang presyo ng Dubai crude na lumalampas na sa $120 ngayong Marso. Ito na ang pinakamataas na presyo nito matapos pumalo sa lampas $131 kada bariles noong Hulyo 2008. Itinuturong dahilan ang tensyon sa Iran na siyang nagtutulak pataas ng pandaigdigang presyo.

May makatwiran bang basehan ang pagtaas ng presyo?

Walang basehan ang pagtaas ng presyo. Una, at pinakamahalagang punto, artipisyal na mataas ang presyo sa pandaigdigang pamilihan dahil sa dominasyon ng mga dambuhalang monopolyo sa langis. Ang mga Amerikanong kumpanyang gaya ng ExxonMobil at Chevron at mga Europeong korporasyong British Petroleum o BP (UK), Royal Dutch Shell (UK/Netherlands), at Total (France) ay kumukontrol sa buong proseso ng produksyon at distribusyon ng langis kaya’t artbitraryo nilang naitatakda ang presyo
nang lampas-lampas sa aktwal na gastos nila sa produksyon. Sa buong kasaysayan ng pandaigdigang industriya ng langis, napanatili ng mga dambuhalang monopolyong ito ang kontrol sa merkado ng petrolyo. Sila ang kartel sa langis na namamayagpag sa daigdig.

Pangalawa, walang malaking pagbabago sa gastos sa produksyon ng mga kumpanya ng langis sa daigdig na magbibigay katwiran sa pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo. Pangatlo, hindi rin pwedeng gawing palusot ang suplay at demand dahil di naman ito nagbago nang malaki at kung magkaroon man ng pagkaantala sa suplay mula sa Iran, mapupunuan naman ito ng Saudi Arabia. Ang nagaganap ay pulos ispekulasyon ng kakulangan sa suplay na humihila pataas sa presyo. Kahit ang mismong mga opisyal ng Department of Energy (DOE) ay aminadong ispekulatibo ang galaw ng presyo.

Magkano ang tayang nadaragdag sa presyo bunga ng pag-iral ng pandaigdigang monopolyo at ispekulasyon?

Hindi pa man dumarating sa bansa natin, “overpriced” na ang mga produktong petrolyo dahil sa monopoly pricing at ispekulasyon. Umaabot ito sa $67.63 hanggang $81.46 kada bariles o 62%hanggang 74% ng kasalukuyang presyo ng krudo, batay sa taya ng Bayan. Ang presyo ng Dubai crude nitong Enero 2012 ay nasa $109.54 kada bariles. Pero hindi ito ang aktwal na gastos sa produksyon upang likhain ang isang bariles ng krudo. Ayon sa US Energy Information Administration (EIA), ang finding cost o ang gastos sa eksplorasyon at pagpapaunlad ng reserbang langis sa US ay nasa $18.31 kada bariles. Mas mura ito kung sa Middle East kung saan nagmumula ang kalakhan ng inaangkat na krudo ng Pilipinas, na nasa $6.99 lamang. Ang lifting cost o ang gastos sa operasyon at pagmamantina ng mga balon ng krudo at mga kagamitan at pasilidad sa US ay nasa $8.26 kada bariles. Sa Middle East naman, ito ay nasa $5.75 lamang. Kasama rin sa gastos sa produksyon ang buwis na sinisingil ng isang gobyerno sa mga kumpanya na naghuhukay ng langis sa kanilang bansa o royalties. Sa mga bansang kasapi ng Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), tinatayang katumbas ito ng 14% ng spot price – na kung $109.54 ay nasa $15.34 kada bariles. Kaya kung susumahin ang finding cost ($6.99 – $18.31 kada bariles), ang lifting cost ($5.75 – $8.26), at ang royalties ($15.34), ang tinatayang kabuuang gastos kada bariles para sa Dubai crude ay nasa $28.08 hanggang $41.91 lamang. Lumalabas na ang patong at kita sa Dubai crude ay mula $67.63 hanggang $81.46 kada bariles. Kinakatawan nito ang epekto sa presyo ng ispekulasyon at monopolyo sa industriya ng langis sa daigdig.

Hindi ito malayo sa ibang pagtaya. Kung pagbabatayan, halimbawa, ang pahayag ng Saudi oil minister sa embahador ng US noong Hulyo 2008 na inilabas ng Wikileaks, nasa $40 kada bariles ang napapatong sa presyo ng krudo dahil lamang sa ispekulasyon.

Kaya naman hindi nakapagtatakang ang mga kumpanya ng langis ay kabilang sa pinakamalalaking korporasyon sa daigdig. Sa pinakahuling datos na tinipon ng magasing Fortune, ang limang pinakamalalaking korporasyon sa langis sa daigdig ay may pinagsamang deklaradong tubo na $79.89 bilyon noong 2010. Hindi pa kwentado rito ang kanilang pinipiga sa pamamagitan ng monopolyado’t ispekulatibong presyuhan. Pinakamalaki ang kinamal ng ExxonMobil na $30.46 bilyon na siya ring pinakamalaking tubo para sa LAHAT ng korporasyon sa daigdig. Sinundan ito ng Shell na nagtala naman ng $20.13 bilyon; Chevron, $19.02 bilyon; at Total, $14 bilyon. Nag-ulat ng “pagkalugi” ang BP na $3.72 bilyon pero kasinungalingan ito dahil hindi pa nga sinasalamin ng deklaradong tubo ang kinakamal ng mga dambuhalang kumpanya mula sa monopoly pricing at ispekulasyon.

Ramdam ito maging sa Pilipinas kung saan namamayagpag ang mga lokal na yunit ng pandaigdigang monopolyo at kanilang mga katuwang. Halimbawa, ang opisyal na idineklarang konsolidadong tubo ng apat na pinakamalaking kumpanya ng langis sa Pilipinas ay may kabuuang P15.75 bilyon noong 2010, ayon sa tala ng publikasyong BusinessWorld. Sa nasabing halaga, ang tinubo ng Petron ay P7.92 bilyon; Shell, P16.5 bilyon; Chevron, P3.9 bilyon; at Total, P1.03 bilyon. Bilyun-bilyon man, maliit pa nga ang deklaradong tubong ito kung tutuusin dahil hindi pa kasama ang kanilang pinipiga sa pamamagitan ng lokal na overpricing.

Paano pinapalala ng Oil Deregulation Law (ODL) ang pang-aabuso at pagsasamantala ng pandaigdigang kartel sa langis?

1. Sa ilalim ng ODL, awtomatiko ang pagbabago sa presyo. Hindi kailangang dumaan sa pormal na pampublikong pagdinig ang mga kumpanya ng langis upang bigyang-katwiran ang kanilang pagtataas ng presyo. Dahil dito, buong-buong ipinapasa ng mga kumpanya ng langis sa mga konsyumer ang di makatwirang pagtataas ng presyo sa daigdig na ibinubunga ng monopolyo at ispekulasyon.

2. Sa awtomatikong pagbabago-bago ng presyo sa ilalim ng ODL, tumataas man ito o bumababa, napakalaki ng puwang ng mga kumpanya ng langis upang magpresyo nang labis o ang tinatawag na lokal na “overpricing”. Sa simpleng pakahulugan, labis na malaki kung magtaas habang lubhang maliit naman mag-rolbak kung ibabatay sa galaw ng presyo sa pandaigdigang pamilihan. Kahit pa naglabas ang DOE ng mga mungkahing pamamaraan kung paano magkwenta ng pagbabago sa presyo, balewala rin ito dahil di naman obligadong sundin ng mga kumpanya ng langis.

Madali itong nagagawa dahil patuloy na umiiral sa ilalim ng deregulasyon ang kartel ng malalaking lokal na kumpanya ng langis na nagtatakda ng galaw ng lokal na presyo. Ang lokal na kartel gaya ng Shell, Chevron, at Total ay mga sangay lamang ng pandaigdigang monopolyo habang ang Petron ay bahagi ng kanilang network sa pagrerepina at pagtitingi (retail).

Ano ang pakinabang ng pamahalaan sa tuloy-tuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis?

Kinunkunsinti ng pamahalaan ang hindi makatwirang presyo ng langis at ang hindi maawat nitong pagtataas sa ilalim ng deregulasyon dahil nakikinabang ang mismong gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng ipinapataw nitong 12% value added tax (VAT) sa mga produktong petrolyo. Mas mataas ang presyo ng langis, mas mainam para sa pamahalaan dahil lumalaki ang kinukubra nitong buwis mula sa mamamayan. Halimbawa, bago magsimula ang taon, ang VAT sa diesel ay nasa P5.39 kada litro habang sa gasolina naman ay nasa P6.46. Pero dahil sa sunud-sunod na pagtaas ng presyo, nasa halos P6 kada litro na ang VAT sa diesel at lampas P7 naman sa gasolina. Ang VAT sa LPG ay halos nasa P108 kada tangke na ngayon kumpara sa P82 sa pagsisimula ng taon. Sa madaling salita, nakikinabang ang gobyerno kasabwat ang mga kumpanya ng langis sa ibayong pagpapahirap sa mamamayan. Ang masahol pa, ang kinukolektang buwis ay hindi naman ibinabalik sa taumbayan sa porma ng sapat at maasahang mga serbisyong panlipunan. Sa halip, nawawaldas lang ito sa nagpapatuloy pa ring korupsyon sa pamahalaan, sa napakalaking badyet para sa militar, at sa dambuhalang pambayad sa mga utang ng gobyerno.

Magkano ang tayang nadagdag sa presyo dahil sa lokal na “overpricing”?

May lumabas nang iba’t ibang taya sa kung magkano ang nadaragdag sa presyo sa mga gasolinahan bunga naman ng dagdag-bawas ng mga kumpanya ng langis batay sa galaw ng presyo sa pandaigdigang pamilihan. Tinatawag itong lokal na “overpricing” na dagdag pa sa nangyayaring monopoly pricing sa pandaigdigang pamilihan ng langis.

Sa taya ng Bayan, maaaring umaabot sa P8.61 kada litro para sa diesel at P16.83 naman kung sa unleaded gasoline ang naipong buwanang overpricing mula Enero 1999 hanggang Enero 2012 o ang buong panahon na ipinatutupad ang Oil Deregulation Law. Tandaang ang pagtayang ito ay nakabatay sa nakalathalang presyo ng Dubai crude na lubhang pinalobo na ng ispekulasyon at monopoly pricing. Kaya ipinapakita lang ng ganitong  pagtaya na lalo pang nakakapang-abuso ang kartel sa pamamagitan ng lokal na galaw ng presyo na walang regulasyonang gobyerno. Dagdag ito sa mas dambuhalang tubo na pinipiga ng pandaigdigang monopolyo at mga bangko sa pamamagitan ng monopoly pricing at ispekulasyon.

Isa lang ito sa iba’t ibang paraan ng pagkwenta sa lokal na overpricing. Sa taya ng IBON Foundation, mas mabilis nang 20-22% ang pagtaas ng presyo sa Pilipinas kumpara sa pagtaas ng pandaigdigang presyo ng Dubai crude. Sa hiwalay namang taya ng noo’y pinuno ng National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) at ngayo’y Senador na si Ralph Recto, umaabot sa halos P8 kada litro ang overpricing sa mga produktong petrolyo noong 2009. (Tingnan ang Aneks para sa pamamaraan ng pagkwenta)

Ito ay iba’t ibang mga estima lamang na nagpapakita kung paano inaabuso ng kartel and batas deregulasyon. Sa ngayon ay mahirap matunton ang eksaktong kwenta na ipinapatong sa presyo ng lokal na kartel sa langis, lalo’t hindi nila isinasapubliko ang kanilang pormula sa pagkwenta ng presyo. Isa ito sa mga problemang kaakibat ng deregulasyon dahil walang obligasyon ang mga kartel na ipaliwanag ang kanilang pagtataas o kung paano nila kinukwenta ito. Ang DOE naman ay lumalabas na taga-anunsyo lang ng umento.

Ano ang kagyat na solusyon sa mataas at di makatarungang presyo ng langis?

Ibasura ang Oil Deregulation Law at isabatas ang House Bill (HB) 4355. Walang pakundangang naipapasa ng mga kumpanya ng langis ang mataas at di makatwirang presyo sa mamamayan dahil sa patuloy na pamamayagpag ng dambuhalang dayuhang monopolyo sa langis na lalong naging makapangyarihan sa ilalim ng Oil Deregulation Law. Kung gayon, ang solusyon ay wasakin ang monopolyong ito.

Kailangang magsimula sa pagbasura sa Oil Deregulation Law at palitan ito ng kumprehensibo at epektibong patakaran ng regulasyon sa kanilang operasyon sa bansa na siyang nilalaman ng HB 4355. Sa ganitong paraan, hindi na arbitraryong akakapagtaas ng presyo ang mga kumpanya ng langis at magkakaroon ng proteksyon ang mamamayan mula sa ispekulasyon at overpricing sa lokal at pandaigdigang pamilihan. Magpapataw ang HB 4355 ng pampublikong pagdinig bago ang anumang pagtataas ng presyo. Isisentro na rin sa pamahalaan ang pag-aangkat ng krudo at mga produktong petrolyo. Hindi lamang nito titiyakin na alam ng gobyerno ang presyo ng inangkat na langis kundi makapaghahanap din ng mas murang mapag-aangkatan ang pamahalaan. Kasama rin sa HB 4355 ang pagbawi sa pagmamay-ari sa Petron. Samantala, upang agad ding mapapababa ang napakataas na presyo, dapat ring tanggalin ang regresibo’t mapaniil na 12% VAT sa langis.

Ano ang pangmatagalang solusyon?

Ang ganap at pangmatagalang solusyon sa pagtaas ng presyo ng langis ay ang lubusang pagsasabansa sa industriya ng langis at buong sektor ng enerhiya sa Pilipinas. Binibigyang solusyon lamang ng regulasyon ang pandaraya sa presyo ng mga dayuhang monopolyo pero hindi nito tinutugunan ang pagiging lubhang palaasa ng bansa sa inaangkat na langis gayundin ang problemang nililikha ng dominasyon ng mga TNC. Tanging ang isang komprehensibong programa sa pagsasabansa ang tuluyang wawasak sa kartel, magbibigay-daan upang lubusang maharap ng Pilipinas ang paghahanap sa
mga alternatibo sa langis at mapagyaman ang lokal na rekursong enerhiya na nasa epektibong kontrol ng mga Pilipino, at magamit ito sa pagsusulong ng pambansang industriyalisasyon.

Susi ang tuloy-tuloy, sama-sama, at papalaking pagkilos ng mamamayan para gapiin ang dambuhalang dayuhang monopolyo sa langis at itatag ang isang bansang may seguridad sa enerhiya at tunay na maunlad. Minsan nang pinatunayan na sa pamamagitan ng lakas ng mamamayan, napilitan ang estado na ibasura ang naunang Oil Deregulation Law noong 1997. Samantala, sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng daigdig at sa gitna ng tumitinding krisis ng imperyalismo, umiigting ang paglaban ng mamamayan laban sa pagtaas ng presyo ng langis at sa iba’t ibang epekto sa kanilang kabuhayan ng pagiging ganid sa tubo ng mga monopolyo kapitalista. Mahalagang bahagi ang ating pagkilos ng lumalaking daluyong ng mga protestang ito. #

Labanan ang pagsasamantala at pang-aabuso ng dayuhang monopolyo sa langis!

Ibasura ang Oil Deregulation Law!

Presyo ng langis, ibaba! VAT sa langis, tanggalin!

Kontrolin ang presyo at protektahan ang konsyumer at lokal na ekonomiya!

Isabatas ang House Bill 4355!

Buwagin ang kartel! Isabansa ang industriya ng langis!

Aneks
Pagtaya sa lokal na overpricing

Taya ng Bayan

Batay sa buwanang galaw ng Dubai crude at palitan ng piso’t dolyar (foreign exchange o forex), dapat ay nasa P29.14 kada litro lamang ang itinaas ng presyo (ideyal na pagtaas) ng mga produktong petrolyo mula 1999 kung susundin ang pamamaraan ng pagkwenta na ginagamit ng isa sa mga malaking kumpanya ng langis. Ayon dito, kung nasa $110 kada bariles ang Dubai crude, halimbawa, at nasa P44 ang forex, ang $1 na pagbabago sa presyo ng krudo at P1 na pagbabago sa forex ay may katumbas na P1 pagbabago sa pump price. Nag-iiba-iba ito depende sa presyo ng krudo at ng forex sa isang takdang
panahon at ikukumpara sa aktwal na galaw ng lokal na presyo sa parehong panahon. Mula Enero 1999 hanggang Enero 2012, umabot sa P37.76 kada litro ang aktwal na itinaas ng presyo ng diesel, mas mataas nang P8.61 kumpara sa P29.14 na “ideyal” na pagtaas sa parehong panahon. Samantala, ang aktwal namang itinaas ng presyo ng unleaded gasoline ay nasa P46.98 kada litro, mas malaki nang P16.83 sa “ideyal” na pagtaas. (NOTE: Ang “ideyal” na pagtaas ay di nangangahulugang ito ang makatwiran o patas na presyo, dahil nagmumula pa rin tayo sa pagsusuri na maging ang mga “benchmark” o presyo sa pandaigdigang pamilihan ay “overpriced” at manipulado ng monopolyo at
ispekulasyon. Ipinapakita lang nito na dagdag pa sa manipulasyon ng presyo sa pandaigdigang pamilihan, may nagaganap pang pang-aabuso sa presyo sa lokal na industriya. Ang pag-aabuso sa lokal na pag-presyo ay bahagi lang, at hindi kumakatawan sa kabuuan, ng abuso ng monopolyo).

Iba pang taya

Sa pag-aaral ng IBON Foundation, mas mabilis na tumataas ang lokal na presyo ng diesel nang 20% hanggang 22% kumpara sa pagtaas ng presyo ng Dubai crude sa ilalim ng deregulasyon. Ipinapakita nito ang paniningil na ginagawa ng mga lokal na kumpanya ng langis nang lampas sa “dapat” na singil alinsunod sa galaw ng pandaigdigang presyo ng krudo. Hindi kasama rito ang epekto sa lokal na presyo ng mga ipinapataw na buwis. Hindi rin nito ipinapakita ang dambuhalang tubo ng pandaigdigang kartel sa langis mula sa pagbebenta ng krudo. Sakop ng pag-aaral ang buong panahon ng kasalukuyang Oil
Deregulation Law simula noong 1999.

Sa taya naman ng noo’y pinuno ng National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) at ngayo’y Senador na si Ralph Recto, umaabot sa lampas P8 kada litro ang overpricing sa mga produktong petrolyo noong 2009. Ginamit ni Recto ang “straight-line interpolation”. Sa ilalim nito, ikinukumpara ang dalawang panahon kunsaan magkahalintulad ang presyo sa piso ng Dubai crude. Pagkatapos, ikukumpara ang lokal na presyo sa mga nasabing panahon. Halimbawa, pinagkumpara ni Recto ang presyo sa piso ng Dubai crude noong Abril 2009 (P2,408 kada bariles) na kahalintulad ng presyo nito noong pagitan ng Pebrero (P2,176) at Marso (P2,495) 2005. Ang presyo ng premium plus gasoline noong Abril 2009 ay nasa P40.85 kada litro – mas malaki nang P8.69 kumpara sa presyo nito sa pagitan
ng Pebrero at Marso 2005 na P32.16 kada litro. Ini-adjust na ang presyo noong Pebrero-Marso 2005 upang isama ang 12% VAT upang maaaring ikumpara sa presyo noong 2009. Ang VAT sa langis ay sinimulang ipatupad noon lamang Nobyembre 2005. #

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News Release

March 24, 2011

The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today criticized the Philippine and US governments for alleged “nuclear hypocrisy” and double standards when it comes to North Korea.

“The Demoratic People’s Republic of Korea has no imperialist ambitions and therefore does not pose a threat to the region. Its rocket launch is for putting a satellite into orbit. In fact, it is North Korea which has come under constant threat and provocation from the world biggest nuclear superpower which is the United States. The US, not North Korea, is the biggest nuclear threat in the world today,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

“The US is apparently using the North Korea rocket launch as another pretext for deploying more troops in the region. The Philippine government has apparently sought US assistance regarding the effects of falling debris which will hit 190 kilometers from Northern Philippines,” Reyes said.

Bayan said that US nuclear hypocrisy is apparent when it accuses other nations of developing nuclear weapons while it strategically places its own nuclear weapons all over the world though submarines and military bases. The US possesses more than 5,100 nuclear warheads in its stockpile.

North Korea as of late has suspended its nuclear weapons test and uranium enrichment program and allowed international inspectors to monitor activities at its main nuclear complex.

“It appears that the US is not content with the DPRK’s commitment and sees any rocket launch as a potential nuclear threat, even if the rocket is only for peaceful use such as a satellite. It is North Korea’s sovereign right to undertake a rocket launch for peaceful use. This is why the DPRK is adamant in its opposition to US interference,” Reyes said.

Balikatan justified?

Bayan blasted the Philippine government’s posturing versus North Korea as also hypocritical. “The PH government is up in arms over North Korea’s rocket test, but is eerily silent about the use of US drones in Philippine airspace. The PH government has not even sought any explanation for the US government’s secret storage of nuclear weapons in the Philippines during the last century,” Reyes said.

“The Philippine government is not at all concerned with the possibility of more nuclear-armed US warships entering the Philippines via port calls and joint exercises, despite the fact that this will violate our Constitution,” he added.

Based on a declassified document from the independent non-governmental organization National Security Archive based in the George Washington University, the US government had secretly stored nuclear weapons in the Philippines, during the time of the Marcos dictatorship.

The memo said that “divulgence of the fact that nuclear weapons are stored in the Philippines, and have been there for many years without prior consultation with the Philippine government, would greatly jeopardize US-Philippine relations, particularly on the eve of presidential elections scheduled on October 11 (1969).”

Bayan said after the Philippine government joined the US chorus versus North Korea, it might make use of the rocket incident to further justify the upcoming Balikatan war games.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is telling us that we really need US assistance on the issue of the rocket launch and debris. This helps to condition public opinion on the so-called need for the Balikatan war games,” Reyes said. ###

News Release

March 22, 2012

The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today assailed President Benigno Aquino III for welcoming the increased US troop presence in the country, saying that this violates the country’s sovereignty and would lead to permanent military presence.

Yesterday, Aquino said that he was agreeable to more US troops, saying he wanted “more of the same” in terms of military exercises and port calls. Aquino said that his government will not allow the return of US bases.

“Apparently when it comes to US troops and the Visiting Forces Agreement, there’s no ‘noynoying’ in Malacanang. The president is hands on and has shown unusual compliance with US impositions,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

“The presence of more US troops is an affront to our sovereignty. When the president says he wants more of the same, is he referring to the 600 US forces that have been permanently stationed in Mindanao for the last 10 years? Is this the kind of virtual US basing and permanent presence his government is pushing?” he asked.

Bayan said that the president’s call for increased US troop presence comes amid still unresolved issues concerning the VFA. The group said that the military pact allows for an unlimited entry of US military personnel along with an unspecified duration of stay in the country. Aquino created a panel to review the VFA but no results have come out, nearly 2 years into the Aquino administration.

The militant group will lead a nationwide protest on April 16 at the opening of the Balikatan war games. Protests are expected to be held in Manila, Central Luzon and Mindanao.

“Aquino is opening the door for the virtual basing of more US troops. This goes beyond what is supposedly in the VFA, that US troops are merely visiting. From our experience the last 10 years, there has not been a day when there were no US troops in our country. The US has circumvented the constitutional prohibition on foreign bases since they are now here 24/7, 365 days a year, for the last 10 years,” Reyes added.

Bayan said that another legal challenge to the VFA is possible if Malacanang continues to allow the permanent presence of US troops in the country. Bayan has consistently challenged the VFA before the SC but has not received a favorable ruling in their bid to question the pact’s constitutionality.

“Right now, it is not clear how many troops are to be allowed in the country, and for how long. The Philippine and US governments conveniently take advantage of the vagueness of the VFA. There is also no transparency insofar as negotiations between Manila and Washington are concerned. The people are deliberately being kept in the dark,” Reyes said.

“Aquino’s reassurance that there will be no return of US bases and no permanent presence of US troops is belied by facts. The 600 US Special Force based in Zamboanga since 2002 is testament that the US troops are no longer just visitors in our country,” he added.

Bayan also assailed the admission of the President that US drones are being allowed to conduct reconnaissance missions in Philippine airspace.

“The admission by the Philippine president that US drones are operating in the country for reconnaissance means that a foreign power is being allowed to spy on Filipinos and intervene in domestic affairs. These drones are under the exclusive control and operation of US forces. Their targets are known only to the US. What is to prevent the US forces from actually carrying out airstrikes similar to what they do in Pakistan?” Reyes said.  ###

Press Statement

March 21, 2012

REFERENCE: Renato M. Reyes, Jr BAYAN secretary general

The admission by the Philippine president that US drones are operating in the country for reconnaissance means that a foreign power is being allowed to spy on Filipinos and intervene in domestic affairs. These drones are under the exclusive control and operation of US forces. Their targets are known only to the US. They do not get flight clearances when conducting unilateral operations. What is to prevent the US forces from actually carrying out airstrikes similar to what they do in Pakistan?

We find no comfort in the assurances by the President that the PH government will not allow US drone strikes. Government has still to probe the allegations that US drones were behind the surgical airstrike in Sulu recently which was conducted at 2am. Reports say that it was an operation that could not have been carried by the Philippine Air Force which is ill-equipped to conduct a precision strike in pitch darkness.

Again, under the vague Visiting Forces Agreement, US troops are engaging in unilateral activities that are not part of any approved exercises and that violate our sovereignty. That the Philippine government is amenable to increased US troop presence means it is willing to turn a blind eye to these violations.###

READ ARTICLE ON US DRONE STRIKE HERE:

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/NB29Ae01.html

News Release

March 21, 2012

The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today called on the government to fully disclose the terms of reference of the upcoming negotiations in Washington regarding the increased presence of US troops in the Philippines. The Philippine Foreign Affairs and Defense secretaries are set to meet with their US counterparts Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on April 30. Prior to this, a major military exercise called Balikatan will be held in the Philippines starting April 16 and will, for the first time, involve countries other than the United States.

The top level meeting is a first in Philippine history and comes in the wake of a new US defense strategy revealed by President Barack Obama last January 3. Under the new defense guidelines, the US will be rebalancing its troops towards Asia.

“Malacanang should stop keeping the people in the dark regarding the status of the talks for increased US troop presence in the Philippines. The public, including our lawmakers, should know the actual terms of reference of any negotiations. There remain outstanding issues regarding the Visiting Forces Agreement. There is the valid concern that the US is seeking, not just expanded access but also a more permananent presence in the country,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

“The US wants more military exericses, more port calls and more rotational troops similar to the 600 Special Forces that have been based in Mindanao for the last 10 years. This is the single biggest continuing anomaly of the VFA that has resulted in the permanent presence of US troops in our country, even without any basing treaty,” Reyes said.

Bayan announced that its members in the US will protest the April 30 meeting in Washington. Local protests are also being readied starting Apri 16, which is the formal opening of the Balikatan exercises in the Philippines.The group also did not rule out a legal challenge to the VFA if it will be used to justify the virtual basing of US troops in the country.

The Deparment of Foreign Affairs said that the two governments were still finalizing the agenda for the top-level meeting. Bayan said that it was not buying the Philippine government’s statements.

“It’s not believable that the agenda is still in the works. News reports have consistently pointed out tha 8,500 troops from Okinawa will be transferred to Guam, Australia, Philippines and Hawaii. News reports are consistent in saying that the US wants increased access to its former bases like Subic. News reports are also consistent in pointing out that the US wants to rotate more troops in the Philippines,” Reyes said.

“Despite the President’s assurance that there will be no return of US bases, we have clearly seen in the past decade how US troops are able to base in the Philippines sans any basing agreement. We are hardly reassured by the latest pronouncements of the President,” he added.

Bayan also called on the DFA and DND to disclose the details of any plans to extended and upgrade the RP-US Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA) which is set to  expire on November 2012.

“The MLSA is a complimenting agreement to the VFA. It ensures that US ships have access to our facilities and are provided services. The MLSA practically grants the US the services under a normal basing treaty,” Reyes explained.

“There is the possiblity that this pact is being upgraded and wil be in effect indefinitely, instead of just being a renewable 5-year agreement,” he added.

Under the MLSA, the Philippine government provides supplies such as food, water, petroleum, oils, lubricants, clothing, ammunition, spare parts and components.

Support and services include billeting, transportation (including airlift), communication services, medical services, operations support (and construction and use of temporary structures incident to operations support), training services, repair and maintenance services, calibration services, storage services, and port services. Storage units and ports shall at all times remain under the control and supervision of the host state. ###

News Release

March 20, 2012

Renato M. Reyes, Jr. BAYAN secretary general

For one who claims he is unaffected by the “noynoying” protests, President Benigno Aquino III sure is trying hard to prove he has accomplished something in 21 months in office. He claims he has “statistics” on his side.

However, the President cannot claim progress just because the stock market is up and because he thinks there are more actual shoppers than window shoppers in malls nowadays. Aquino’s claims regarding the economy betray a shallow appreciation of the economic difficulties many of our people face. If this is progress for Aquino, then the poor better beware. It would appear no help is forthcoming.

The stock market has ceased to be an indicator of growth of the real economy as its growth is often triggered by speculative investments that have no productive output. As for his take on shoppers, it would be interesting to note what mall the President has actually observed to reach the conclusion that there are now more real shoppers than window shoppers.

It is Aquino and his officials who appear to be living in a different world, a place where there are only happy mall-goers, rosy stock market indices and busy construction sites that point to economic growth. In this world, oil prices are not a problem no matter how high they get. Poverty is just a state of mind and unemployment is fiction.

Be thankful Mr. President that today’s protests are still tinged with humor. There might come a time when there will only be anger over your government’s inaction.    ###