Mayor rebuts vice mayor Ormoc has enough fuel

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — Mayor Edward Codilla described as political the reported shortage of fuel supply in this city, as allegedly stated by Vice Mayor Carmelo Locsin Jr. in a news report in this paper last Nov. 21.

Codilla told The Freeman yesterday that "anybody can voice out their opinion, but in this time of our recovery efforts one should refrain from childish statements."

The mayor also suggested to his critics to check the matter from officials of the Department of Energy (DOE) or from Petron depot located at Brgy Linao in this city. "It is wise for them (critics) to contact these offices if they intend to know our fuel status," he said.

Codilla was very concerned about the fuel issue because it might cause panic and destabilization. "They should think first the people and politics later," he added.

Further research by The Freeman revealed that two days after typhoon Yolanda hit Ormoc City, Petron-Libertad station was already opened to serve the public. Days later, Petron stations in the city proper followed. As of press time, however, another station owned by a politician remained close.

It was also learned that the long queue of vehicles at Codilla's Petron Station, spanning two blocks in all four directions were not all from Ormoc but from other affected areas in Tacloban City and other towns in Leyte, which meant that Ormoc became the hub of fuel supply source in the province.

"Had other stations been serving clients, Petron stations will be decongested," commented Rommel Noya, one of  the motorists lining up to buy fuel.

"Those people selling overpriced fuel in the streets should not have flourished had the other gasoline stations sacrificed a little bit to serve the community," added Marian Canete, another motorist in the queue.

A ranking official of a fuel company, who requested anonimity, also confirmed to The Freeman the abundance of fuel supply in Ormoc with more reserve stocks ready for use located in two other areas. "It is not about supply, but on the number of stations serving the public," he added. (FREEMAN)