Sotto calls for price freeze in areas hit by Odette

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday called on Malacañang to declare a price freeze on basic necessities in the areas hit by Typhoon Odette last week.

"Sa panahon ng krisis, hindi nawawala ang mga abusadong mangangalakal na nagagawa pang magtaas ng presyo ng mga basic commodities tulad ng bigas at potable water sa kabila ng paghihirap na dinaranas ng mga pamilyang apektado ng anumang kalamidad," he said.

(During times of crisis, unscrupulous traders raise the prices of basic commodities such as rice and potable water amid the misery of families impacted by calamities.)

"Mahalagang unahan na ng pamahalaan ang mga taong ito sa pamamagitan ng pag-impose ng price freeze sa mga lugar na tinuligsa ng bagyong Odette,” he added.

(It is important that the government prevents this from happening by imposing a price freeze in areas affected by Typhoon Odette.)

Latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed a total 156 people were reported dead, 37 were missing, and 275 were injured due to the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

The NDRRMC earlier said Odette could be considered as the fiercest typhoon that hit the country this year.

The most affected areas were Mimaropa, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and some parts of Bangsamoro.

Senator Francis Tolentino, meanwhile, suggested that the National Housing Authority (NHA) coordinate with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on how to utilize fallen coconut trees as free construction materials for distressed residents. 

Tolentino, chairperson of the Senate committee on urban planning, housing, and resettlement, made the statement following his visit to the typhoon-devastated Siargao Island on Monday.

NHA general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. said they would study Tolentino's proposal.

The NHA has also vowed to provide cash assistance to affected families that can be used to purchase roofing materials. — VBL, GMA News