The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that there will be a 7-day grace period before the full implementation of EO No. 124 or the 60-day price ceiling for pork and chicken meat in Metro Manila.
This was set as an adjustment period after entrepreneurs objected, saying they will lose profit if they sell the meat below their income.
“Seven days [are] enough grace period [for our] meat dealers to be able to dispose the meat that they bought at ₱285 so by the time that the grace period ends, makakabili sila ng mas murang carcass. With that, bababa na rin po ang presyo ng kasim at pigue sa palengke (they can buy cheaper carcass. With that, the price of “kasim” and ham cut will also go down in the market),” DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista explained.
However, the price of pork must self-correct from the hog raisers after the grace period to ensure that it is sustainable, safe, and affordable for consumers.
Fines for violations that may reach ₱1 million and 10 years of imprisonment will also be implemented after the grace period.
The DA disclosed that it will provide transportation for pork to Metro Manila within the imposed 60 days to make sure there will be ample supply in the region as some dealers might opt to sell their meat to the provinces where no price ceiling is declared.
The DA will also look into setting a price cap in the whole value chain to ensure that equality is provided to producers, dealers, and retailers. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio
