DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., chair of the government’s Task Force El Niño, said authorities will go after hoarders and price manipulators as the country prepares for the possible onset of the La Niña phenomenon.
Teodoro said holding accountable unscrupulous traders preying on consumers
will be among the priorities in the government’s response for La Niña, which is seen to start developing in June.
“Access to affordable basic commodities such as rice is exceptionally crucial to millions of Filipino consumers. Any sudden fluctuation in the price of rice resonates [in] the daily lives of Filipinos,” Teodoro said in a statement.
“Whatever support is needed by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture, rest assured we are here ready to assist them,” he added.
Teodoro also stressed the need to intensify price and supply monitoring efforts in markets to protect consumers from profiteering amid the weather phenomenon.
Last week, Teodoro directed the Task Force El Niño to start preparations for the possible onset of the La Niña phenomenon next month.
State weather bureau Pagasa earlier announced that the country was already in the “weak El Niño” stage, and the weather phenomenon may already end by June.
Pagasa then urged preparations for a “wetter” La Niña season, especially in areas prone to flooding.
