House leaders have issued a stern warning to businesses engaging in illegal price hikes, as the lower chamber gears up for an investigation into price disparities in essential goods.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and ACT-CIS party-list Representative Erwin Tulfo announced on Tuesday, April 23, that the House will probe the reasons behind the soaring costs of basic commodities, despite denials from farmers, manufacturers, and grocery stores of significant price adjustments.
House Assistant Majority Leader Representative Jay Khonghun emphasized the seriousness of the investigation, cautioning unscrupulous businessmen against engaging in cartels within the agriculture sector.
“We urge them not to exploit our fellow citizens, especially those in vulnerable economic situations. Otherwise, we will not hesitate to enforce the full extent of the law, including pursuing charges of economic sabotage, which is a non-bailable offense,” Khonghun stated.
Echoing Khonghun’s sentiments, lawmakers like La Union Representative Paolo Ortega and Taguig Representative Pammy Zamora stressed the importance of protecting consumer interests, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds.
Zamora emphasized the necessity of government intervention to prevent unchecked abuses, while Ortega highlighted the essential nature of food for all individuals, especially the most economically disadvantaged.
Additionally, other House lawmakers expressed their commitment to support the probe, with House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong emphasizing its potential to shed light on the struggles faced by farmers.
Davao Oriental 2nd District Representative Cheeno Almario emphasized the delicate balance required between farm gate and retail prices, noting that disparities negatively impact both farmers and consumers.
The investigation, set to be conducted by the lower chamber’s committee on agriculture and food, aims to address the apparent profiteering and disregard for Filipino welfare reflected in the significant gaps between farm gate and retail prices of rice and other essential commodities.
The committee is slated to commence the investigation once sessions resume next week.
Photo Courtesy : House of Representatives Website / https://www.congress.gov.ph/photojournal/zoom.php?photoid=5794
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