House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

Citing the plight of Filipino farmers, House Speaker Martin Romualdez has ordered an immediate inquiry in aid of legislation into the widening gap between farm gate and retail prices of rice and other basic goods. 

Romualdez, the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, is eyeing the conduct of the prone as soon as the chamber resumes its session on Monday, April 29. 

“I would ask Chairman Mark Enverga of the Committee on Agriculture to immediately start the ball rolling for an investigation into the disconnect between farm gate and retail prices of basic goods,” said Romualdez. 

"The discrepancy between farm gate and retail prices of basic goods is alarming and warrants immediate attention. We cannot ignore the plight of our farmers who are struggling to make ends meet, nor can we turn a blind eye to the burden placed on consumers," he added. 

The Speaker made this commitment after attending a meeting with representatives of producers, retailers, and grocery stores on Tuesday, April 23. 

Farm gate prices are defined as the prices received by farmers for the sale of their crops at the location of farm. The higher these prices, the more they get paid for their produce.   

During the meeting, which was called by Deputy Majority Leader ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, the retailers and other attendees denied making any substantial price changes on basic goods. 

Jayson Cainglet of Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) informed the Speaker that farm gate prices of rice, poultry, pork, and even onions have been maintained for the past three months so there should be no spike in the prices of these items. 

Romualdez says the upcoming investigation is part of the House's oversight function. 

He also committed to conduct a thorough review of existing laws to protect the interest of both consumers and producers and deter profiteering. 

"It is imperative that we conduct a comprehensive review of our laws to ensure that they effectively safeguard the interests of our farmers and consumers. We must take proactive measures to prevent profiteering and promote a fair and transparent trading environment,"  said Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party. 

“At the end of the day, we want to make sure that all the stakeholders in whatever industry or sectors are viable, if they are in the business side of it, so that it becomes sustainable so that we can continue delivering basic goods and services to the consumers at sustainable, affordable prices,” he said.