SECRETARY of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned that authorities will pursue hoarders and those manipulating the prices of essential goods.
The Secretary made this statement during the fifth meeting of the Presidential Task Force on El Niño response and government preparations for La Niña, held at Camp Aguinaldo.
In the said meeting, Secretary Teodoro stated that the Department of National Defense (DND) is ready to provide support to the agencies involved in conducting price monitoring of all essential goods.
As the chairperson of the task force, Secretary Teodoro emphasized that preventing price manipulation and holding hoarders accountable is a government priority.
He noted that access to affordable basic commodities, such as rice, is exceptionally crucial to millions of Filipinos.
Any sudden fluctuation in the price of rice has a significant impact on the daily lives of our countrymen.
“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 on the daily lives of Filipinos,” according to Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Department of National Defense.
The official added that the DND is prepared to assist the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry in their price monitoring efforts.
“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,” Teodoro added.
According to the official, it is necessary to intensify price and supply monitoring in the markets to protect consumers from exploiters.
Meanwhile, in a text message to SMNI News, Philippine Army Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said they have not yet received directives from the General Headquarters regarding the issue.
However, he assured that the Army is ready at any time to follow whatever orders are given to them.
“As of now, we have not received any specific guidance from GHQ, so I cannot give a reaction,” Col. Louie Dema-ala, Spokesperson, PA stated.
“But the Philippine Army is always ready to perform any tasks given to us,” Dema-ala added.
