(Manila, 21st) Philippine Senator Pangilinan today called on all relevant government agencies to immediately prosecute importers and traders hoarding rice and manipulating prices, in order to protect the nation’s food security and the interests of farmers.
Pangilinan expressed support for Agriculture Secretary Laurel’s directive for the National Food Authority (NFA) and its regional offices to promptly file "price manipulation" lawsuits against unscrupulous operators once violations are confirmed.
"Hoarding and price manipulation seriously harm millions of farmers and Filipino families, and also undermine national food security objectives. The government must intervene decisively."
He also called on the Philippine Competition Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation to assist in identifying and gathering concrete evidence to ensure the charges against wrongdoers are backed by "irrefutable proof."
Pangilinan cited the Price Act (Republic Act 7581) and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling and Economic Sabotage Act (Republic Act 12022), pointing out that both laws can impose severe penalties for acts of economic sabotage involving essential agricultural products.
"Food security is not just a matter of supply, but also a matter of justice. Justice means protecting our producers from exploitation," he said.