Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso conducted a surprise inspection at a gasoline station in Santa Cruz on Thursday morning, March 12, to ensure fuel retailers comply with government price directives amid rising oil costs.

Domagoso said the inspection was part of the city government’s efforts to protect consumers and ensure that gas stations follow allowable price adjustments set by the Department of Energy (DOE).

The mayor also issued a warning to fuel retailers who may attempt to exploit the situation.

“I will not allow abuse at maapektuhan ang consumer (that will affect the consumers),” he said, stressing that businesses must remain fair to the public during a period of rising fuel costs.

Domagoso stressed that fuel retailers must strictly reflect only the approved adjustments in pump prices.

“Kapag tumaas ang dalawang piso, tumaas ang dalawang piso. Kapag tumaas ang limang piso, tumaas ang limang piso. And their meters are in check. Walang mag-a-abuse pa, take advantage of all these things (If the price increases by two pesos, it should only increase by two pesos. If it goes up by five pesos, then it should only be five pesos. Their meters are being checked, and no one should abuse the situation or take advantage of it),” he said.

Domagoso added that the city government will closely monitor fuel stations to ensure pump measurements are accurate and that prices remain within government-approved increases.

He emphasized that operating a business in Manila is a privilege granted by the local government and may be revoked if abused.

“Remember this: that doing business is a privilege, it is not a right. A privilege given by your city government. So when it is a privilege, if we can give, we can take it back,” he said.

The inspection came as the national government prepares to distribute financial assistance to public transport drivers affected by rising fuel costs.

Domagoso said Metro Manila mayors were instructed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Executive Secretary Ralph Recto to submit updated lists of transport operators and drivers in their respective localities.

According to the mayor, more than 10,000 tricycle drivers in Manila are expected to receive P5,000 each next week through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

Jeepney drivers, taxi operators, transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers, delivery riders, and bus drivers are also set to receive assistance in subsequent releases.