United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) President Rodolfo Javellana Jr. is urging the government to take “radical action for real change” as he warned that unchecked inflation, corruption, and monopolies continue to weigh heavily on ordinary Filipinos.

In an interview on DZRH’s IIsyung Pambayan, Javellana criticized how the supposed improvement in the country’s economy has not translated into real benefits for consumers, who continue to face rising prices of goods and basic services.

“’Yong binabanggit na pagbuti ng ekonomiya, kadalasan naka-sentro ang giya ng ating ekonomiya sa sinasabing mga economic policies na dapat maintindihan ng bawat consumers ng publiko kung bakit nagkakaroon ng inflation,” he said.

He explained that as long as major sectors remain controlled by cartels — such as those in cement, rice, and energy — the power to dictate prices will stay in the hands of a few.

“Kung ang mga negosyo ay pananatilihan natin sa kontrol o kamay ng iilang cartel sa ekonomiya... mananatili ang pagdikta sa halaga ng presyo,” he said, warning that some sectors may exploit the holiday season to raise prices further.

Citing the Pulse Asia survey showing that inflation is the most urgent national concern for 54% of Filipinos, Javellana said the gap between wages and the cost of living remains alarming.

“Kapag tinignan mo ang sweldo ng manggagawa ay halos kalahati lang sa sinasabing living wage. ‘Yong 1,200 pesos na dapat living wage ay halos kalahati lang ‘yong real wage na nakukuha niya,” he noted.

Inflation-Driving Policies

Javellana pointed to the Oil Deregulation Law and the TRAIN Law (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) as major contributors to inflation.

“Kung sino ang may control ng mga negosyo sa langis sila ang makakapagdikta ng presyo sa merkado,” he said.

He explained that higher fuel taxes and tariffs ultimately pass costs onto consumers.

“Tanggalin natin ‘yang tax na ‘yan malaking bagay ‘yan sa pagbaba ng presyo ng mga krudo, diesel, gasolina at hindi ‘yong nagdadagdag tayo ng taripa,” he added.

Push for Transparency and Accountability

Javellana emphasized that agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), and Department of Transportation (DOTr) must work closely to protect consumers and commuters from exploitative practices.

He said effective government intervention and genuine reform are needed to ease the pressure of inflation and restore public trust.

The UFCC president called for an end to corruption and political dynasties in the country, urging the establishment of a government that is genuinely accountable to its citizens.

He also criticized the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for allegedly concealing hearings related to questionable flood control projects and other corruption issues, saying such actions create negative public perception.

“Kaban ng bayan ang usapin dyan, at kapos na si Juan at Maria na consumer at commuter sa pondo, kaya kinakailangan very transparent,” Javellana said.

He stressed that major economic policies must undergo real change, particularly those involving deregulation and economic liberalization, which he said are among the key drivers of continuing inflation.

“Kinakailangan ‘yong mga major economic policies natin magkaroon ng pagbabago tulad ng deregulation, liberalization ng ekonomiya. ‘Yan ‘yong mga dapat ma-address para makawala tayo sa patuloy na inflation,” he concluded.