GOVERNMENT will run after hoarders and manipulators who would prey on consumers once the country transitions to the La Niña weather phenomenon, Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) chairman Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has said.
Teodoro issued the warning during a recent meeting of the Presidential Task Force on El Niño, which he also chairs, at Camp Aguinaldo.
Teodoro said the Department of National Defense (DND) is ready to provide support to government agencies directly involved in the monitoring of prices of basic necessities and prime commodities during La Niña.
La Niña is a climate pattern that characterizes above average rains. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has earlier said the phenomenon may start in the June-July-August period.
It has also said that the country is now transitioning to the rainy season, which it predicted may start in the first two weeks of June.
The country is still experiencing the El Niño, a weather phenomenon that increases the likelihood of below normal rainfall conditions that may lead to dry spells and droughts, which the weather bureau said has started to weaken.
Teodoro said curbing price manipulation and holding hoarders accountable will be among the priorities of the government in disaster response.
“Access to affordable basic commodities such as rice is exceptionally crucial to millions of Filipino consumers. Any sudden fluctuation in the price of rice resonates impacts on the daily lives of Filipinos,” he also said.
“Whatever support is needed by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture, rest assured we are here ready to assist them,” he added.
Teodoro said there is a need to step up price and supply monitoring efforts to protect consumers from profiteering.
