Lawmaker proposes price-freeze on basic commodities

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—A lawmaker on Wednesday urged concerned government agencies to order businessmen to observe price-freeze of basic commodities following the floods that hit Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Anakpawis Representative Rafael Mariano said it is inconsiderate for businessmen to hike petroleum prices and basic goods when the people are suffering from floods.

He said the Department of Energy, Department of Trade and Industry and other concerned government agencies should implement measures to stop it.

Mariano’s statement was echoed by the militant peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) who said that “it is the height of callousness for the oil cartels to increase oil prices while the Filipino people suffer from floods and heavy rains.”

Shell, Petron, and Total hiked their gas price by P0.80 per liter, diesel by P0.40, and kerosene by P0.30 (except Total).

At the same time, the KMP through the Oplan Sagip Kanayunan also called on the National Food Authority to distribute the confiscated smuggled rice to victims of the calamity.