By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Surprised by the disparity between farmgate and retail prices of rice, poultry, meat products, onion, and other basic goods, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Wednesday (24 April 2024) said he will lead an investigation into the matter that primarily affects the farmers.
“The discrepancy between farmgate and retail prices of basic goods is alarming and warrants immediate attention. We cannot ignore the plight of our farmers who are struggling to make ends meet, nor can we turn a blind eye to the burden placed on consumers,” Romualdez noted.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives said he would ask Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, chairperson of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, to “immediately start the ball rolling for an investigation into the disconnect between farm gate and retail prices of basic goods.”
On Tuesday (23 April 2024), Romualdez and House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo met producers, retailers, and grocery stores regarding the prices of basic commodities.
During the meeting, Jayson Cainglet of Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) told Romualdez that farmgate prices of rice, poultry, pork, and onions had not increased in the last three months.
The Speaker from Leyte vowed that the House would use its oversight function to look into the price discrepancies and committed to conduct a thorough review of existing laws to protect the interest of both consumers and producers and deter profiteering.
“It is imperative that we conduct a comprehensive review of our laws to ensure that they effectively safeguard the interests of our farmers and consumers. We must take proactive measures to prevent profiteering and promote a fair and transparent trading environment,” Romualdez stressed.
(el Amigo/MNM)
