Marcos: Food supply enough, manufacturers agreed to keep prices steady

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. assured the public Friday that food supply in the country is sufficient amid the Middle East tension, noting that manufacturers had committed to keep prices steady “for as long as they can.''

Marcos made the remark following his visit at Century Pacific Food Inc Calamba Distribution Center in Laguna province.

''Ang supply ay hindi kailangan na mag-alala ang (taumbayan). Ang food supply natin ay sapat kahit na pangmatagalan,'' Marcos said. 

(Filipinos don't need to worry about the food supply. Our food supply is enough.) 

''Sila (Food manufacturers) naman ay pumapayag na to keep the prices na hindi muna – basta – hindi tataas ang presyo hangga't kaya nila. Kaya siguro mga isang buwan, ‘yung iba baka dalawang buwan hindi magagalaw ‘yung presyo,'' 

(Food manufacturers agreed to keep the prices, to not increase the prices for as long as they can. Maybe they can keep the prices for one month, or two months.) 

The government will continue to monitor the food supply as well as its prices amid the ongoing tension that caused prices of petroleum products to spike, Marcos vowed. 

Recently, Iran's military command warned that oil prices may reach as high as USD$200 per barrel. It has effectively shut Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas pass.

Due to this, fuel prices continue to increase, some as high as P100 per liter, as oil companies implement staggered adjustments.

Despite the skyrocketing fuel price hikes in recent weeks, Marcos had said that everything is normal, adding that there is no reason for the public to hoard products.

Marcos further ensured that the Philippines is looking for alternative fuel sources amid the oil price shocks. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News