By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has urged the government to intensify its crackdown on hoarders, profiteers and agricultural cartels ahead of a potentially severe El Niño, warning against exploiting consumers amid looming food and water shortages.
Pangilinan called on authorities to pursue criminal and administrative cases against business operators involved in illegal price manipulation, stressing that enforcement must target cartel leaders rather than merely frontline sellers.
He also urged the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture and Price Coordinating Council to strengthen market monitoring, enforce automatic price freezes in calamity-hit areas and recommend price ceilings when warranted.
Under Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, illegal price manipulation carries imprisonment of five to 15 years and fines ranging from ₱5,000 to ₱2 million.
Pangilinan warned that public officials who conspire in or knowingly conceal violations may also be held accountable.
The DA reported that El Niño-related damage to crops, livestock and poultry had reached ₱8.57 billion as of Oct. 21.
My suggested photo concept: A dramatic editorial image of a nearly empty public market with rice, vegetables and price tags in the foreground, under a scorching sun. This would connect the El Niño threat directly to food prices and consumer vulnerability.
ia/xf
