Romualdez to convince canned goods manufacturers to delay price hike until after Christmas
At A Glance
- With Christmas just around the corner, House Speaker Martin Romualdez says he is eyeing a meeting with canned goods manufacturers and other producers of food products in an attempt to stave off an impending price increase.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)
With Christmas just around the corner, House Speaker Martin Romualdez says he is eyeing a meeting with canned goods manufacturers and other producers of food products in an attempt to stave off an impending price increase.
In a statement Sunday, Sept. 17, Romualdez noted that food manufacturers, as well as the supermarket association have hinted of plans to raise the prices of common goods amid the successive fuel price hikes.
"We will attempt to convince them to at least postpone their plans, if there are any, until after Christmas in the spirit of the Yuletide season. Masyadong mabigat sa bulsa ang sabay-sabay na pagtaas ng mga bilihin kasabay ng pagtaas ng presyo ng krudo,” Speaker Romualdez said.
(It's too burdensome if prices of basic goods go up at the same time, along with oil prices.)
"Nauunawaan naman namin na maging sila ay apektado (We understand that they too, are affectedl). But we will appeal to their sense of compassion and ask them if they can find a way to manage until Christmas," Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) party, further stated.
Local oil firms have imposed increases on pump prices for 11 straight weeks. It is widely known that fuel price adjustments have a domino effect on the cost of other goods.
Traditionally, the prices of canned goods and food in general also spike during the Christmas season.
The House leader from Leyte said the government is doing its best to alleviate the situation of the people, “but what we are experiencing is a world crisis".
"That's why various agencies are ready to provide assistance because the government also feels the people's predicaments," he said.
Romualdez is set to have a "consultative meeting" with local oil companies, Department of Energy (DOE) officials, and other energy industry players on Monday afternoon, Sept. 18. The aim of the meeting is to come up with a "win-win" solution to the current oil price surge.