DoJ panel finds probable cause to indict LGMA party-list representative

MANILA, Philippines—A Department of Justice panel has found probable cause to indict LPGMA Party-list Rep. Arnel Ty and eight others on charges of violating anti-cartel provisions of the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act NO. 8479 or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act.

A 10-page resolution penned by prosecution attorney Cesar Angelo Chavez III and approved by Prosecutor-General Claro Arellano, cited the use of “price signalling: as among the actions of the respondents to dictate liquefied petroleum gas prices on their competitors.

Aside from Ty, others who were ordered charged were Danilo Chua, Alison Sy, Rene Rosell, Ronnie Sevillana, Mar Dave Tang, Virginia Cid, Bonifacio Eleria and Antonio del Rosario—all stockholders, directors and officers of LPG-selling or distributing firms.

The case resulted from the complaint of Jesus Arranza, Federation of Philippine Industries chair.