Akbayan Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña urges the government to crack down on rice cartels manipulating rice distribution and driving up prices, amidst the looming food security emergency declaration by the Department of Agriculture.
Akbayan Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña called on the government to impose penalties on rice cartels for manipulating the distribution of rice, which contributes to price hikes. This call comes in the wake of the Department of Agriculture's (DA) anticipated declaration of a food security emergency this week. Cendaña emphasized the urgent need to address this issue, stating that the basic food staple for ordinary Filipinos is becoming unaffordable.
He argued that rice cartels and hoarders are profiting from the inflated rice prices and urged for measures to curb their activities. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. recently indicated his intention to declare a food security emergency, allowing the National Food Authority (NFA) to sell rice buffer stock to government agencies. This decision follows the National Price Coordinating Council's (NPCC) approval of a resolution urging the DA to declare a food security emergency due to the persistent high retail rice prices. Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa disclosed that if Laurel receives the NPCC's resolution today, he will review it until tomorrow. De Mesa assured that by Wednesday, there will be an action taken by the Secretary, as he is ultimately responsible for declaring a food security emergency.Cendaña also highlighted the importance of supporting local farmers to bolster the country's economy and prevent future food emergencies. He asserted that if there was enough locally produced rice, the nation would not be facing a food security crisis. He urged a shift in focus towards investing in local farmers and ensuring that government subsidies do not negatively impact them. Cendaña emphasized the Philippines' position as the second fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia and stressed that further growth can be achieved by supporting local industries
RICE CARTELS FOOD SECURITY PHILIPPINES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LOCAL FARMERS
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