Price increase has nothing to do with port congestion—Palace

Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—While Manila does indeed have a port congestion problem, it has yet to result in the price increase of commodities, Malacañang clarified on Wednesday.

“Obviously, the price increase has nothing to do with port congestion. There are just some people who are taking advantage of the situation,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in Filipino.

He said the price monitoring council and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will ensure that those causing the “artificial” price increase will be held accountable.

Although it has not been well publicized, Lacierda said the DTI has been sending letters to those deemed to be taking advantage of such situations.

“And so you will see responses there, prices of some commodities have gone down,” he said. “DTI is working on making sure that the prices are not artificial.”

The Spokesperson said they are also working to decongest the port of Manila by using alternative ports. He said Batangas port for example now has eight vessels unloading there.

Round-the-clock operations are also being considered.

“Hopefully as we decongest these ports, the Port of Manila will be able to ensure that the fears for an inflation will dissipate,” he said.

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