By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos criticized the high price of pork in the market.

“Hindi nagugutom ang Pilipino dahil walang pagkain, nagugutom tayo dahil maraming sakim!” the senator said.

Pork is currently priced between ₱375 and ₱426 per kilo in the market.

Marcos condemned the price manipulation by some traders, noting that they buy pigs from farmers at the farmgate price of only ₱200-₱220.

In response, the senator voiced her support for the Department of Agriculture’s plan to impose a Suggested Retail Price (SRP) not only on retail prices, but also on farmgate and trader prices.

“Ang SRP ay kadalasang nakaapekto lang sa mga retailer. Hindi hinahayaan ng mga negosyante na bumaba ang kanilang profit margin, kaya ang mga producer at retailer ang laging nag-a-adjust para magtagpo sa SRP. Hindi ito makatarungan! Hindi dapat hawak ng ilang trader ang kapangyarihan sa presyo.”

ia/mnm