Sen. Francis Tolentino (Senate PRIB Photo)

Citing the burden that the El Niño phenomenon or worsened drought has had on Filipinos, Senator Francis ''Tol' Tolentino has stressed the need for a national declaration of a state of calamity to activate provisions of the Price Act for a price freeze on basic goods. 

Tolentino says this price freeze will help ease the burden on Filipinos amid declarations of the states of calamity in localities all around the country. 

Citing Section 6 of Republic Act (RA) No.7581, the senator underscored Saturday, May 4 that a national declaration of a state of calamity was a prerequisite for triggering the application of a price freeze, not just a localized declaration. 

While some local government units (LGUs) such as Iloilo City have declared a state of calamity, others hesitate due to budget constraints and the tendency to reserve the funds primarily for typhoon-related emergencies. 

"It is within the jurisdiction of the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) to implement a price freeze, especially during times of crisis like the current El Nino situation," Tolentino stated. 

"Immediate action is necessary to mitigate the effects of rising prices on the Filipino people," he said. 

With forecasts indicating the persistence of El Niño until the end of May, Tolentino urged the DTI to swiftly implement a price freeze to protect consumers from escalating costs. 

As this developed, Tolentino said that four employees of the municipal goverment of Pili, Camarines Sur died due to heatstroke. This had been verified by the municipal health officer. 

This unfortunate incident serves as compelling evidence of the widespread effects of the El Niño, Tolentino said.