To oil players, Speaker Romualdez says: "Help mitigate the effects of high fuel prices, or else."

Should they be unable to come up with alternatives that would lessen the impact of growing fuel prices on everyday Filipinos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez threatened "unpalatable" measures against important oil industry participants.

On Monday, September 18, Romualdez made the declaration during a private gathering of House leaders and members from the oil industry.

According to a news release from his office, the Speaker requested that oil companies "find ways to cut their profit margins to reduce fuel prices."

"Congress will be very grateful and supportive of you if you are a part of the solution. Romualdez warned major oil majors, "But if you are part of the issue, we might have to take measures that would be unpleasant for you.