By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Everything is normal. No need to worry.”
Reassuring the masses that the government is on top of matters related to rising oil prices brought about by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a joint inspection with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in San Juan City this Wednesday, March 18.
During the visit, President Marcos Jr. checked the prices of food products stipulated in the Bantay Presyo bulletin board, determined the adequacy of supply in the market’s fish, meat, fruit, vegetable, and poultry sections, and ensured that the “timbangan ng bayan” remains in good working order.
He commended the vendors’ cooperation with government efforts to ease inflation, “Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga vendor dahil pumayag naman sila na hindi tataas ang presyo at hindi sila mag-price gouging; hindi sila magsasamantala dito sa krisis na nangyayari sa Middle East.”
The Chief Executive moreover declared that food supply across the country remains stable and adequate, strongly warning vendors and entrepreneurs against price gouging, profiteering, and hoarding during these difficult times.
The DA and DTI further emphasized that it is closely consolidating price data from markets and supply sources nationwide.
Should findings confirm unreasonable price increases or abuse in the pricing of necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs), the DA and DTI are prepared to impose appropriate price cap measures, including the implementation of price ceilings, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
Earlier, the DTI also held talks with 21 leading manufacturers to ensure that prices of BNPCs would be maintained for the next 30 to 60 days, thus cushioning the impact of higher fuel and logistics costs for the middle class.
Accompanying President Marcos Jr. during the market inspection were Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora. (with reports from Clay Pardilla and Gab Villegas | PTV News)
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