By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senator Francis Pangilinan on Monday called on government agencies to file cases against rice traders and importers found hoarding supply or manipulating prices.
Pangilinan urged the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other concerned agencies to act swiftly and decisively, stressing that holding profiteers accountable is crucial to ensuring food security.
“We support DA Secretary Laurel’s directive to file profiteering charges through the NFA (National Food Authority) and its regional offices once these reports are validated,” Pangilinan said.
“Hoarding, price manipulation, and other abusive practices hurt millions of farmers and Filipino families. It also undermines national efforts to achieve food security. The government must step in.”
Pangilinan also appealed to the Philippine Competition Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation to help identify and build airtight cases against those engaged in profiteering.
Pangilinan cited Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, as amended, and Republic Act 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling and Economic Sabotage Act, which both provide penalties for economic sabotage involving essential goods, including agricultural products.
“Food security is not just about supply. It’s about justice. And justice means protecting our producers from those who exploit them,” he said. (PNA)
