SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday called on concerned government agencies to intensify monitoring to ensure that the reduction in the prices of rice and pork is fully reflected at the retail level.
Gatchalian made the appeal after the government announced the expected drop in the prices of rice and pork, which will bring much-needed relief after months of elevated costs of the commodities.
“I urge the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry to intensify price monitoring, crack down on unfair market practices, and swiftly act against hoarding, price manipulation, and other abuses that burden consumers. I also call on retailers and suppliers to do their part in keeping food prices reasonable,” he said.
Aside from bringing down the prices of rice and pork, Gatchalian said the government must enhance the capability of farmers, hog raisers, and other agricultural sectors to ensure prices continue to ease.
Last Wednesday, Malacanang announced that rice and pork prices are expected to go down further within the month, with rice falling to as low as P45 per kilo from the current average of P49 per kilo.
Pork belly is projected to be down to P380 per kilo from the current P420 to P450 per kilo.
The expected decrease is due to changes in world prices.
