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Writer's pictureMenchie Kinao

Criminal charges await rice hoarders, warns DA Cordillera


Baguio City, Philippines – The agriculture department in Cordillera warned that criminal charges would be filed against rice hoarders and price manipulators in the region.


The move came after the statement of President and Agriculture Secretary Ferdinand Marcos Jr., directing the agency and the Department of Trade and Industry to closely monitor the prices of rice in the market, said the Department of Agriculture – Cordillera in a press release.


The price of the product, according to DA-CAR Focal person for rice, Edwin Joseph Franco, has been ‘highly abnormal’ in the previous weeks.

“DA is currently determining the reasons for the increase in the price of rice which may be due to the impending effects of the El Nino and the latest increase in fuel prices,” he said.


While the government is working to stabilize the prices, it is also verifying reports about practices that are supposedly affecting the prices of the staple, which include the stockpiling of rice, the overpricing of stocks, and selling of rice in low quantities, stated DA deputy spokesman Rex Estoperez.


Though the DA does not have the power to do the arresting of ‘those who capitalize on the situation,’ the agency is responsible for providing information that would serve as the basis for the apprehension and the filing of criminal charges against hoarders.


“Our mandate in this case is basically on price monitoring however, it will be the DA that will provide the necessary data and information to law enforcement agencies that are tasked to apprehend violators who take advantage of the public,” Franco stressed.


The Consumer Act or Republic Act No. 7394 and Price Act or RA No. 7581 impose criminal liabilities and criminal penalties on hoarding and profiteering.

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