House sets probe into 'alarming' gap between farmgate, retail prices of basic goods

The House of Representatives will conduct an investigation into the ''alarming'' gap between farmgate and retail prices of basic commodities once the session resumes on April 29.

Speaker Martin Romualdez made the announcement on Wednesday following the meeting between House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo and representatives of producers, retailers, and grocery stores on Tuesday.

“I would ask Chairman [and Quezon Representative] Mark Enverga of the Committee on Agriculture to immediately start the ball rolling for an investigation into the disconnect between farmgate and retail prices of basic goods,” Romualdez said in a statement.

"The discrepancy between farmgate 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.

Romualdez also said that during Tuesday’s meeting, Jayson Cainglet of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) informed him that farmgate prices of rice, poultry, pork, and onions remained unchanged for the past three months, meaning the retail prices of these goods should also not increase.

The Leyte congressman said there is a need for Congress to probe the matter to protect the interests of both consumers and producers, including the deterrence of 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," Romualdez said.

He urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, industry representatives, and consumer advocacy groups, to actively participate in the investigation and contribute to the formulation of effective policy interventions.

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

“We would have to work toward widening the scope of these interventions while we are simultaneously working on the long-term solution or target of rice self-sufficiency; efficiencies are generated, and [there is] less dependence on expensive, imported rice,” he added. — VBL, GMA Integrated News