By Junex Doronio

MANILA — In line with the Bagong Pilipinas vision, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez pledged on Friday (04 Oct 2024) that the House of Representatives will continue to support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in ensuring food products remain accessible and affordable.

Romualdez made the commitment in response to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s report that inflation eased to 1.9 percent in September, down from 3.3 percent in August and 4.4 percent in July, marking the lowest rate in four years.

“The intervention measures taken by the government under the leadership of President Marcos Jr. are now yielding positive results,” Romualdez said.

He highlighted the President’s decision to significantly reduce the rice import tariff from 35 percent to 15 percent, alongside the direct sale of rice to the public through Kadiwa stores.

“These two measures have notably reduced the retail price of rice, bringing it down from above P50-P60 per kilo to P40-P42 per kilo, a reduction of at least 20 percent,” Romualdez pointed out.

The Leyte lawmaker also emphasized the President’s flagship programs, including the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) and the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF). These initiatives, which have visited 24 areas nationwide, have provided over P10 billion in services and cash aid, benefiting more than 2.5 million Filipino families.

“Apart from the cash aid distributed through the BPSF, which enhances people’s spending power and stimulates the local economy, services like employment requirements help citizens secure jobs or pursue livelihood opportunities,” Romualdez said.

“Meron itong multiplier effect para sa ating bansa. When people have jobs and livelihoods, it benefits not only the local economy but also the entire country,” he added.

Romualdez expressed hope that inflation would continue to fall, or at least stay within the government’s 2024 target of 2-4 percent.

He also noted that the House would contribute by using its oversight powers through a five-committee panel tasked with investigating smuggling, hoarding, price manipulation, and other anti-competitive practices. The panel will also monitor the enforcement of Republic Act (RA) No. 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

This law, Romualdez said, aims to make food more affordable while improving the lives of farmers.

Ia/mnm