Palace to garlic hoarders: You’re being watched

MANILA, Philippines – The government is closely monitoring individuals suspected of hoarding garlic and causing the recent price spikes, Malacanang said Thursday.

“Law enforcers are conducting surveillance on suspected hoarders,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a text message to media.

“Concerned parties are urged to unload their stocks to avoid arrest and prosecution,” he advised.

For the past several days, consumers have been complaining of high prices of rice, garlic and ginger.

Agriculture officials said that prices will stabilize once harvest and planting season starts.

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In case of garlic, however, Coloma said the Department of Agriculture reported that the supply is adequate to meet local demand. This goes against the earlier pronouncements that the price hikes were caused by market forces.

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Asked why the prices are high despite enough supply, Coloma said Wednesday, “That is why they are conducting monitoring and surveillance, to be able to find out if the reported shortage is artificial or if there are manipulative practices that are being committed.”

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