DOE chief wants oil firms to stay at Pandacan depot

If it were up to Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras, he would prefer that the so-called “Big Three” oil companies be allowed to continue their operations at the Pandacan oil depot.

“You should not force companies to get out [of] there. What signal do we send to investors if we allow [ordinances to change laws midway]… You will not be sending the right signal to investors or businesses,” he said.

According to him, forcing Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Petron Corp. and Chevron Philippines to leave the depot may have an adverse impact on logistics and fuel costs which will trickle down to end consumers.

In a statement issued Monday, Chevron said it welcomed the decision of Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim to veto the ordinance passed by the city council which would lead to the depot’s closure.

“Mandating the oil companies to exit from Pandacan may dampen the investment climate by creating an uncertain business environment. We appreciate that Mayor Lim recognizes the value of providing [a] stable regulatory environment in the City of Manila and that he appreciates the relevance and benefit of the facility not just for Manila, but to the country as a whole,” said Raissa Bautista, Chevron manager for policy, government and public affairs.

Addressing concerns on safety, Bautista pointed out that Chevron has been operating in the oil depot for more than 80 years with no major incidents.