BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) in coordination with the different law enforcement agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police, is ready to arrest and file charges against would-be rice hoarders and price manipulators in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
The action comes after the latest warning given by President and Agriculture Secretary Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the DA and the Department of Trade and Industry to closely monitor the prices of rice in the market, and to go after those engaging in rice hoarding and price manipulation.
DA-CAR focal person for Rice Edwin Joseph Franco explained that although the department has no police powers to effect an arrest against those who capitalize on the situation, the DA will provide the necessary information that would serve as the basis for the arrest and the filing of criminal charges against violators.
“Our mandate in this case is basically on price monitoring however, it will be the DA that will provide the necessary data and information to law enforcement agencies that are tasked to apprehend violators who takes advantage of the public,” Franco said.
Aside from the preparations for the impending El Nino and increase in fuel prices, the price of rice is also dependent on the dictate of the market or supply and demand.
“The price has been highly abnormal in the last two weeks which is why the DA is currently determining the reasons for the increase in the price of rice which may be due to the impending effects of the El Nino and the latest increase in fuel prices,” Franco added.
At present, the CAR which imports rice from nearby rice producing regions is 82% sufficient in the supply of rice based on its 2022 data. Abra, Apayao and Kalinga are the rice producing provinces with majority of its production serving their provinces, with the production excess sold to the market.
DA deputy spokesman Rex Estoperez, however, assured that the government is working to stabilize prices and is verifying reports about practices that area supposedly affecting the prices of the staple, which include the stockpiling of rice, the overpricing of stocks and selling of rice in low quantities.