The government is refusing to lift Executive Order 839 mandating an oil price freeze to October 15 levels throughout Luzon, despite widening concerns and appeals among business groups over its possible effect on the supply of fuel and the conduct of business. Malacañang officials said it would not be threatened into ending the freeze, as it seeks to give priority to the welfare of citizens hardest hit by the recent string of typhoons that devastated the northern islands.

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Lorelei Fajardo said the government will only entertain concerns from the business sector through a joint task force of the Department of Energy and the Department of Justice, which is holding dialogues on the issue. Fajardo said, “We must not forget that this is an unusual event, and while in the past, the government has done all to have a conducive and investment-friendly atmosphere, we hope the investors will understand that the government’s primary duty is to protect the interests of the citizenry.” Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez added that the price freeze is part of the government’s rehabilitation efforts in disaster-hit provinces in Luzon.

The government had earlier announced it would review EO 839, following concerns raised by business groups of a looming oil supply shortage and a disincentive to future investments.