March 12, 2024

 

Puerto Princesa authorities in Palawan, Philippines, downplay need for price controls on pork

 

 

City authorities of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the Philippines, said there is no reason to impose price controls on pork despite a reported surge in retail prices as there is no crisis in the commodity's supply.

 

Pork prices have spiked dramatically in the city from ₱280 (US$5.02) to ₱350 (US$6.27) per kilo in less than one week.

 

During a hearing of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (city council) on March 5, city legal officer Norman Yap said there is no basis for the local government to impose arbitrary price controls on pork as such a move is only permissible if supply is severely compromised, 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," Yap explained to the city councilors. "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."

 

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.

 

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 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 activities 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