Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 377)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 377 is to provide the institutional framework for the administration of the deregulated local downstream oil industry in the Philippines by defining and delineating the functions and responsibilities of various government agencies involved.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is designated as the lead agency responsible for the overall administration of the deregulated local downstream oil industry.
The DOE serves as the oversight body integrating and coordinating the implementation of policies and programs affecting the oil industry, monitors the industry including international oil prices, ensures supply security, and oversees compliance with quality, safety, environmental standards, and fair trade regulations.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is responsible for establishing, updating, and enforcing the Philippine National Standards on the quality and safety of petroleum products and related facilities.
The DOST prescribes calibration and verification intervals for measuring instruments used in petroleum products, evaluates and accredits municipal laboratories for calibration, assists municipalities in calibration, and calibrates reference standards for accredited laboratories.
The DENR reviews, evaluates, and issues environmental compliance certificates to petroleum businesses; issues permits for constructing and operating petroleum facilities; monitors emissions and effluents, and enforces environmental standards including sanctions for violations.
The DOH prescribes allowable toxicity levels affecting health from emissions of petroleum products, issues health and safety guidelines, provides advisory services and conducts studies on health effects related to petroleum products.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is responsible for setting and enforcing labor protection and safety standards for workers in petroleum facilities including handling procedures and safety programs.
The DILG ensures compliance with prescribed quality, safety, and environmental standards on fuels and facilities, enforces the Fire Code provisions related to petroleum use and storage, and issues permits for storage and installation of petroleum facilities.
The Energy Regulatory Board (ERB) is responsible for setting, reviewing, and resetting wholesale posted domestic prices of petroleum products based on the approved automatic pricing formula during the transition phase of deregulation.
The DOJ adjudicates cases involving cartelization, overpricing, and predatory pricing of petroleum products as a member of the DOE-DOJ Task Force.
The Department of Finance (DOF) is responsible for collecting taxes, duties, and charges on petroleum imports and enforcing relevant provisions related to importation, exportation, and bunkering under the Oil Industry Deregulation Act.
The DND curbs illegal entry and smuggling of petroleum products, inspects vessel designs and oil transfer operations to prevent maritime pollution, and enforces related regulations.
All concerned departments and agencies must submit at least quarterly reports to the DOE on their respective activities, developments, and issues relating to the deregulated local downstream oil industry.
All orders, issuances, rules, regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with Executive Order No. 377 are repealed or modified accordingly.