If you've seen social media posts accusing members of the Matugas family of Surigao del Norte of illegal toll collection from fuel transporters in Siargao Island, that's fake news.
Thus, said reelectionist Surigao del Norte 1st district Rep. Francisco Jose "Bingo" Matugas II, who belied the claims in a statement Tuesday, May 3.
“There's no toll being collected for the entry of fuel in the island. That is a blatant lie,” he said.
“Gasoline prices here are more expensive because petroleum companies have to to pay additional as fuel is transported from Surigao City to the island," explained Matugas.
The Facebook page ‘Bantay Nakaw Coalition’ has accused Matugas and his relatives headed by Surigao del Norte Governor Lalo Matugas of allegedly halting fuel shipments entering Siargao if the transporters failed to pay P15.00 for every liter of fuel shipment.
Siargao, the famous tourist spot in the province, was recently devastated by super typhoon "Odette" last December.
The page claimed that due to the alleged illegal toll being imposed ON fuel transporters, pump prices ballooned to as high as P100 per liter.
Matugas noted from April 26 to May 1, FJ Fuel Station pegged the retail price of premium gasoline at P79.23 per liter, unleaded at P78.73 per liter, and diesel at P82.86 per liter.
Meanwhile, the Espineli Fuel Station has premium priced at P80.73 per liter and diesel at P83.86 liter, according to the lawmaker.
“There's no P100 per liter as mentioned in the fake news post,” said Matugas.