The Senate is set to investigate the continued rise in the prices of rice and other agricultural products, following concerns over possible market manipulation affecting essential goods.
Speaking at the 'Kapihan sa Manila Bay,' Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, emphasized the need to scrutinize irregularities in pricing, particularly as the increases appear premature.
Gatchalian raised suspicions that certain market players may be taking advantage of the situation, leading to the gradual spike in rice prices.
“So, nung tinanong ko si Senator Kiko kung bakit ganyan ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas, ang kanyang analysis ay merong masamantala itong si Cuadron. So, ibig sabihin, yung mga rice traders, sila naman ngayon ang nagpapataas ng presyo. Kartel, importers, at ginagamit nila itong sitwasyon para may dahilan na patasin ang presyo ng bigas,” the senator said.
He added that such actions directly affect Filipino households. “Ngayon, pag tumaas ang presyo ng bigas, direct impact ’yan sa sitwasyon ng taong-bayan,” Gatchalian stressed.
The senator also pointed out that current conditions do not justify an immediate increase in rice prices, noting that the impact of rising fertilizer costs is typically felt during the harvest season, expected around June or July.
“Fertilizer, hindi naman automatic [na] tataas ang presyo ng bigas. Kaya magtatanim ka pa, may harvest season pa. So ang estimate dapat kung nakikita natin yung taas, around June, July,” he explained.
Gatchalian suggested that the Senate Committee on Agriculture, led by Senator Francis Pangilinan, may take the lead in conducting the inquiry.
He further noted that there appears to be “screening” or early price movements, reinforcing suspicions of opportunistic practices possibly tied to concurrent increases in fuel prices.
The planned investigation aims to determine whether cartels, importers, or traders are manipulating supply and pricing, as lawmakers seek to protect consumers from unjustified cost surges in staple goods.
