DAVAO CITY – Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu has strengthened measures to address surging prices of fuel as well as basic commodities due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Mangudadatu has issued an executive order forming the Provincial Price Stabilization Council (PPSC) to beef up coordination between the provincial government, local government units, and national agencies in monitoring prices of basic commodities.
The governor acknowledged that the unanticipated and sustained increases in prices of basic commodities and fuel will have adverse effects on the welfare of residents of the province particularly the poor and vulnerable.
Thus, through the PPSC, the provincial government shall ensure a stable and affordable supply of essential goods, protect the welfare of the public, maintain economic stability, and uphold social justice, he said.
Mangudadatu said he will also keep an eye on hoarding of essential goods, price manipulation, and other unscrupulous practices that could bring an adverse impact on the welfare of the people in the province.
Under the PPSC, the governor or duly designated representative shall sit as the chairperson while the vice governor shall be the vice chairperson.
It will be composed of the provincial administrator, provincial agriculturist, provincial budget officer, provincial economic development, investment, and promotion officer, chairpersons of the provincial council committee on energy, agriculture, trade and industry, and public works and highways, 12 local chief executives, business group, transport group, police, military, Department of Trade and Industry-Sultan Kudarat, and National Food Authority-Sultan Kudarat.
Mangudadatu also backed the proposal to suspend the excise tax on oil products.
"Extreme measures call for extreme response. We cannot overtax or overburden the chicken that lay the golden eggs,” he emphasized.
The governor added that there is a need to consider the proposal because of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
“The national government has to be ready, and one of those ways is to suspend the imposition of the excess tax."