By Izza Reynoso
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – City officials affirmed that there is no need to implement price controls on pork despite the recent spike in retail prices, as the commodity’s supply remains stable.
This comes in response to the sudden increase in pork prices from PHP280 to PHP350 per kilo in less than a week.
During a session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council) on Tuesday, city legal officer Norman Yap stated that the local government lacks grounds to impose arbitrary price controls on pork. Such measures are only justifiable if the supply is severely disrupted, such as during an outbreak of animal disease.
Investigations conducted by the city government revealed that the problem stems from the preference of hog raisers to sell their products to buyers outside of Palawan, where the pigs are being purchased at more lucrative rates.
“We cannot impose a price control absent any emergency or crisis. The law is quite clear on that. We have to establish whether there is an emergency or crisis before we can seek measures such as price control,” Yap explained to the city councilors.
The hearing was called in reaction to a request by vendors that the city government control sales outside the city to ensure a steady pork supply, and a price ceiling be imposed on hog raisers.
For his part, Councilor Elgin Damasco, who chairs the Sanggunian’s Committee on Agriculture and Food Security, reported during the same hearing that hog raisers, traders and vendors, all confirmed that there is no shortage in the supply of pork.
“If buyers are not able to compete with the offer, it is not proper for the local government to force or command the seller to sell to a buyer who is not willing to meet their price,” the councilor said after hearing Yap’s testimony.
Damasco said the government can only intervene if the price is being manipulated, such as through hoarding, cartel activity and profiteering.
He added only the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) has the power to determine selling prices and must seek approval from the Office of the President.
Damasco said the rising cost of feeds and other piggery inputs also plays a significant role in the surge in pork retail prices. (PNA)
