Palace says higher rice prices to remain for 2 months

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. answers questions from the media in a press briefing on Malacanang Friday when he advised people to remain vigilant until the exit of Typhoon Yolanda from the Philippine area of responsibility. He also commended the people along the typhoon path for heeding the call of the government to evacuate and take the necessary precautions as the typhoon approached. (Photo by Robert Viñas/Rodolfo Manabat/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

MANILA — Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said higher rice prices will remain in the next two months as the government is still waiting for prices to stabilize. 

“Ayon sa tagapagsalita ng NFA (National Food Authority), tinututukan nila ‘yung galaw ng presyo ng bigas, at ayon sa kanila, ito ay dulot ng market forces dahil ito ay low-season sa supply at inaasahan nilang mag-i-stabilize ito kapag dumating na ‘yung inangkat na bigas mula sa ibang bansa, at inaasahan nilang mag-i-stabilize ang presyo sa susunod na dalawang buwan,” he said.

(According to the spokesperson of the National Food Authority (NFA) they monitored the movement of rice prices and according to them, it was caused by market forces because this is a low-season of supply and they are expecting that it will stabilize upon the arrival of the rice imports from other countries. They are expecting the prices to stabilize in the next two months.)

Coloma said that the government is now currently monitoring the price increase in the market.

He added prices of other commodities are also being strictly watched by the government following reports on unreasonable increase on commodities such as garlic.

“Tungkol naman sa presyo ng luya at bawang, tinututukan din ito ng Department of Agriculture (DA) at ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) dahil mayroong mga suggested retail prices para sa mga bagay na ‘yan at hindi natin pahihintulutan na maging labis ang pagsingil o walang katwiran.”

(About the prices of ginger and garlic, the Department of Agriculture (DA) at ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are currently monitoring it because there is a suggested retail price for each of the commodities and we would not allow any unreasonable price increase.)

While the government still cannot explain while the price of garlic kept increasing in the past few months, Coloma said the DTI and the DA are now currently investigating the case.

He also added that they will be making necessary actions against violators, if a violation is proven after the investigation.

With reports from ABS-CBN News