Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said producers, vendors, and consumers should sacrifice and strictly adhere to the price ceiling mandated by President Duterte.

"This is a balancing act, 'yung pag kita ng producer at vendor, at the same time, 'yung pera ng tao, 'yung value ay maproteksiyonan. But as we progress, tingin ko konting sakripisyo, luluwag at luluwag din 'yang mga presyo na 'yan, kailangan lang talaga mag kaunawaan (the income of producers and vendors, and at the same time, the money of the people, its value will be protected. But as we progress, I think with a little sacrifice, those prices will also ease. They just need to be more understanding), Domagoso told reporters on Monday, Feb. 15.

"Dapat talagang magkaisa 'yung ating mga producer, middlemen, at saka 'yung vendors(Our producers, middlemen, and vendors must unite)," he added.

The local chief executive said that producers and vendors must follow the mandated price ceiling on selected pork and chicken products because those who will not comply will be held accountable.

"As you all know, meron ng guidelines ang national government about price cap. Kailangan nilang sundin ito or else magkakaroon sila ng pananagutan kung sino man 'yung indibidwal na hindi sumunod. Pero tayo, hangga't maaari, dinidiplomasya natin sila (the national government has set guidelines on the price cap, they need to follow these or else, whoever will not comply will be held responsible. But we will still be diplomatic about it), but we are sure and certain about our rules, or else if they’re going to continue to violate them, baka mawalan din sila ng hanap buhay (they may also lose their livelihood)," Domagoso said.

The Manila mayor said their "utmost concern” is to protect consumers and their best interests.

He also said vendors and producers should be grateful that they have managed to retain their jobs amid a pandemic.

"Tingin ko, huwag ka lang malugi, kumita ng kaunti, malusog ka, ligtas ka, nairaos mo 'yung pandemya, blessing na iyon sa Diyos. Sobra sobrang blessing na iyon sa dami nang nagsasakripisyo ngayon, sa dami nang naging biktima ngayon, at hindi kaila, talagang marami ng sumakabilang buhay (I think if you just don't go bankrupt, earn a little, you're healthy, you're safe, you survived this pandemic, it is a blessing from God. That is too much of a blessing with the number of people who sacrificed, with the number of victims and, as you already know, many have died)," he said.

On Feb. 1, President Duterte mandated a price ceiling for 60 days on selected pork and chicken products sold in Metro Manila after their retail prices increased amid the pandemic.