Enact ordinance to assist rice dealers, Abalos urges Metro Manila LGU councilors
By Chito Chavez
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. urged on Wednesday, Sept. 13, the Metro Manila Councilors League (MMCL) to pass an ordinance that would ease the burden of the rice dealers t affected by the rice price cap.
During the recent MMCL 35th anniversary, Abalos enjoined the councilors to enact an ordinance subsidizing rice retailers through the temporary suspension of the collection of market stall fees or grant of discounts that may alleviate the effect of the implementation of the rice price ceiling.
“Baka puwedeng magpasa kayo ng ordinansa to empower the mayor na magbigay ng diskwento sa mga may pwesto sa palengke na rice retailers o ilibre ninyo na yung kanilang stalls for a month (Maybe you cam pass an ordinance to empower the mayor to provide discounts to the stalls of the rice dealers in the market or give them free rent on the stalls for a month),’’ Abalos said.
“Mandaluyong City is one of the first local government units that passed an ordinance to help rice retailers suspending the assessment and collection of market stall fees from rice retailers in Mandaluyong Public Markets 1 and 2 from Sept. 5, 2023 to Oct. 5, 2023,’’ the DILG noted.
The President, earlier authorized the distribution of payout of P5,000 to P15,000 to unregistered small rice retailers and sari-sari store owners selling rice affected by the mandated price ceilings on rice.
Abalos also encouraged the MMCL to strengthen public order and safety within the metropolis through the implementation of a unified closed-circuit television (CCTV) system and other technological advancements to fight and solve crimes.
He stated the unified approach of Metro Manila councilors in the fight against crime can lead to improved investments and progress.
“Development is almost synonymous with peace and order. Kung masama ang peace and order, mahihirapan magkaroon ng investment (If peace and order leaves much to be desired, it is difficult to gain investments),’’ he added.
For her part, MMCL president and Caloocan City councilor Carolyn Cunanan said, “As president of MMCL, rest assured we will continue to achieve our vision of united Metro Manila, united in terms of services and legislative excellence for our constituents.”