Malacañang twits CPP for ‘agitation propaganda’

MANILA, Philippines - The accusation by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that the Arroyo government is in connivance with oil companies in raising the prices of fuel is nothing but an “agitation propaganda,” a Malacañang official said Monday. Presidential Management Staff Director General Cerge Remonde said there is no way the government could manipulate the prices of fuel since oil prices are dictated by the world market and its continued increase is a "global phenomenon way beyond the control of the Philippine government." He said even US President George W. Bush, considered as the most powerful man in the world, had admitted that he could not stop the rising oil prices when he said that "if I could, I would." "Still, the President (Arroyo) is doing everything that she can to exacerbate the problem," Remonde said. The CPP in a statement over the weekend said President Arroyo’s collusion with oil companies is manifested by her inaction against continuous fuel price increases. Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye, for his part, said Presidential Task Force on Energy Contingency met at the Presidential Guest House late Monday afternoon to discuss the fuel situation, including drawing up "short term, medium term and long term measures". Among those who attended the meeting were Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, Acting Planning Secretary Augusto Santos, Science Secretary Estrella Alabastro, Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr, Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri , Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr and Philippine Information Agency head Conrado Limcaoco. Deputy Presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said the existence of the oil deregulation law prevents government intervention in the pricing of oil prices. Fajardo added that the CPP is the once "fuelling people's anger with baseless statements." - GMANews.TV