BY EUGENE Y.ADIONG
BACOLOD City – There is no problem in the supply of certain basic commodities such as rice and garlic, but some are manipulating their prices, said Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.
She confirmed that President Benigno Aquino III has ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate possible hoarding, profiteering and cartelization of certain commodities.
“Some individuals are controlling the prices,” de Lima said.
The President wants to know what exactly is causing the increase in the prices of garlic and other commodities.
“Cartels causing the increase in prices are committing crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code,” warned de Lima.
In Manila, Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said President Aquino ordered the DOJ through the National Bureau of Investigation to look into reported hoarding, profiteering and cartel-like activities.
“The Philippine National Police will assist in these efforts. The directive came after it was determined that there is sufficient supply of rice, garlic and other basic food items,” Coloma said.
Coloma said the President also ordered Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo to intensify monitoring efforts to ensure continuous supply and stable prices of these commodities.
The Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization will issue specific measures to execute the President’s directives, Coloma said./PN
