Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has raised alarm over the sharp increase in rice inflation, which reached 13.7% in April 2026, urging government agencies to investigate possible profiteering, hoarding, and market manipulation behind the spike.
Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, said the surge in rice prices has a direct and severe impact on Filipino consumers, farmers, and fisherfolk.
“Nakakaalarma ang ganitong kataas na inflation rate at rice inflation rate dahil direkta ang epekto nito sa ating mga mamimili, mga mangingisda, at magsasaka,” he said, emphasizing that the situation adds to the daily economic burden of ordinary Filipinos.
He also urged authorities to closely examine the source of the price increase, noting that the Department of Agriculture (DA) had earlier assured sufficient rice supply until June.
“Dapat tingnan maigi ng gobyerno kung paano at saan nagmula ang mataas na rice inflation,” he added.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that overall inflation rose to 7.2% in April 2026, a three-year high, driven largely by food and transport costs. Food inflation climbed to 6.1%, with rice and corn among the top contributors—rice inflation jumping sharply to 13.7% from 3.5% the previous month, while corn inflation reached 21%.
Pangilinan warned that the sudden surge may indicate artificial price movements, which could fall under violations of the Anti-Economic Sabotage Act, Consumer Act, and Price Act. He also pointed to the agriculture sector’s struggles amid rising production costs and heavy reliance on imports.
The senator stressed the need to strengthen local food production and support farmers through subsidies, affordable credit, and improved farm-to-market infrastructure. He also reiterated the importance of fully implementing the Sagip Saka Act to allow direct government procurement from farmers and fisherfolk.
As inflation continues to strain household budgets, Pangilinan called for stricter monitoring against hoarding and price manipulation, alongside a coordinated government response to stabilize food supply and protect consumers.
