I was expecting the Department of Energy to react or comment on my two letters—“Untaxed ‘hidden’ income of oil companies” (Inquirer, 3/30/12) and “Emergency powers for PH,” (Inquirer, 4/16/12)—which suggested the imposition of windfall taxes on the oil companies’ income from the bank interests on the VAT payments of consumers and the shift to the specific tax system from the present VAT system. I in fact e-mailed the letters to the DOE and requested it to comment on the suggestions but until now I have not received any so far.
The DOE’s inaction on my letters is in sharp contrast to the zealousness with which its top officials defend the oil companies from accusations of overpricing every time there is an oil price hike. The secretary himself appears on TV and vigorously justifies the price increases of the oil companies.
May I remind the secretary and other DOE officials about Section 5 of Republic Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) mandating public officials to respond to letters from the public within 15 working days from receipt thereof.
—ERNIE ADAYA,
ernie_adaya@yahoo.com