Despite slumping world oil prices and difficult economic environment, Petron Corporation, the Philippines' largest oil refiner and retailer, managed to end the first three months of 2009 with a net income of P874 million, a 33 percent jump from the same period last year. Petron president Eric Recto said they have 'positive' prospects for 2009. He cited an aggressive retail outlet expansion program this year, while chairman Ramon Ang said Petron is gearing up for facilities upgrade.