Price freeze on basic goods urged if MidEast conflict drags on
MANILA, Philippines — The government must explore the possibility of implementing a price freeze on basic goods and commodities should the Middle East conflict between the United States and Iran continue, Agimat party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla said.
Revilla, in a statement on Tuesday said that while hopes tensions would deescalate, the government — especially key agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) — should be ready for a scenario where higher prices of petroleum products will have an inflationary effect.
According to the lawmaker, a sharp rise in the price of fuel will surely have an effect on the price of food and other basic goods.
“We understand the concerns of the Filipino people whenever there is a global crisis. While we pray that it would not escalate further, it is important that we are ready for any eventuality and that we monitor the situation before it even brings more problems to our economy,” Revilla said in Filipino.
“We believe that our agencies are moving and continuously monitoring the situation for the people’s sake,” he added.
Revilla also warned the public against those who would try to take advantage of the crisis by increasing the prices of their products.
“No less than Malacañang has already warned against price gouging and abusive pricing practices. There is a clear directive from the highest levels of government that profiteering and price manipulation will not be tolerated, especially in times of global uncertainty,” he said.
“We fully support this strong stance and call for sustained vigilance and firm enforcement to ensure that our people are protected,” he added.
On Monday, Revilla also urged the concerned agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos in affected countries, including overseas Filipino workers and their families.
“Amid the reported airstrikes and escalating tensions between the United States/Israel and Iran, we trust that our agencies and the national government are doing everything possible to assist our affected kababayans,” he said.
“We recognize the dedication of those working to provide medical, financial, repatriation, and other essential support, and we assure them that they have our full backing as they carry out this critical work,” he added.
READ: Over 1 million OFWs at risk as Middle East conflict escalates
Revilla and the party-list also condoled the family of Mary Ann Velasquez De Vera, a Filipina caregiver from Pangasinan who lost her life while helping her employer take shelter amid bombings in Israel.
The United States and Israel launched major strikes on Iran in late February, prompting Tehran to hit back with drone and missile attacks, sparking global concern over a wider Middle East war. /gsg
