Proper implementation of price regulatory measures on agri products pushed

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Tuesday underscored the need for stricter enforcement of the government’s initiatives to implement a suggested retail price for onions as a way to protect consumers from unreasonable price increases.

In an interview, Go expressed concern that prices in some parts of Metro Manila remain high as he called on the Department of Trade and Industry to monitor and enforce standard retail prices.

“We have learned that the price of onions is as high as P200 per kilo in Guadalupe Market in Makati, in Marikina, and in Mega Q Mart, Quezon City. It is the job of our DTI to look into this and possibly file charges against violators,” said Go in Filipino.

To address the issue, Go proposed investigating possible hoarding or stockpiling that could have led to the price increase.

The senator called on law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Customs to diligently enforce the law.

By cracking down on those who exploit the system, Go said the rights and welfare of ordinary Filipino citizens can be protected.

Earlier, in an interview after personally aiding poor residents in Gapan, Nueva Ecija on May 22, Go also stressed the importance of apprehending and prosecuting those involved in smuggling and price manipulation that allows them to sell onions at higher prices.

Invoking the Anti-Smuggling Law, he cited the need to impose stricter penalties, including imprisonment, on offenders who exploit the market and violate the established price ceiling.

By demanding that individuals involved in onion price manipulation face substantial penalties, he hopes to discourage such exploitative practices and protect consumers’ interests.

The Department of Agriculture implemented on Monday price regulations on the wholesale price of onions. These limits are based on the “cold storage price” and are set at P115 per kilogram for red onions and P100 per kilogram for white onions.

To meet the domestic demand, the DA has also authorized traders to import 22,000 metric tons of onions.

Meanwhile, addressing the rising prices of agricultural products and the looming issue of importation, Go emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers and implementing measures to enhance agricultural productivity.

While acknowledging the necessity of imports in some cases, such as the current rice insufficiency in the country, Go stressed the importance of supporting local farmers as well.

He suggested that government purchases, such as those made by the National Food Authority, should prioritize local farmers.