Pres. Marcos Jr. orders DTI, DA to run after rice hoarders, price manipulators

Summary

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry to vigilantly monitor rice prices and combat hoarding and price manipulation, especially during the lean months preceding the harvest season. The presidential Communications office confirmed ample rice supply. Retailers are currently selling rice at varying prices, with the cheapest ranging from 38 to 50 pesos per kilo. A rice cellar owner in Manila has noted an increase in prices and a shortage of supply.

Takeaways

• 🌾 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has directed the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry to closely monitor rice prices.
• 🛑 The president is ensuring that rice supply is sufficient despite reports of increasing prices.
• 🔍 The two departments are tasked with pursuing rice hoarders and price manipulators who exploit the lean months before the harvest season.
• 📈 There is a reported increase in rice prices in the local markets.
• 📊 Wilson Santiago, a rice seller in Trabang Market, San Pablo City, Manila, confirms the price increase and shortage of supply.
• 💰 Retailers are selling rice at varying price points, with the cheapest ranging from 38 to 50 pesos per kilo.
• 🏛️ The Department of Agriculture (D.A) has noted discrepancies in rice pricing among different retailers.
• 🙏 The president's message emphasizes serving the people and giving glory to God.
• 🎵 The script ends with a musical note, possibly indicating a news segment or program's theme music.
• 🙋‍♂️ The speaker, identified as 'foreign', thanks the audience, suggesting this might be part of a news broadcast or public address.

Q & A

Who has been tasked to monitor rice prices in the local markets?

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has tasked the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry.

What is the purpose of monitoring rice prices?

To ensure that there is sufficient rice supply and to run after rice hoarders and price manipulators who exploit the lean months before the harvest season.

What is the current situation of rice prices in the market according to the transcript?

The price of rice is reportedly increasing, with some retailers selling at 38 to 40 pesos per kilo as the cheapest and others selling their cheapest variety at 50 pesos per kilo.

What is the term used for the period before the harvest season when rice supply might be scarce?

The term used is 'lean months'.

Who reported the increase in rice prices?

The Presidential Communications Office reported the increase in rice prices.

What is the role of Wilson Santiago in the context of the transcript?

Wilson Santiago is a rice cellar in Trabang Market in Sao Paulo, Manila city, who confirmed the increasing prices and shortage of rice supply.

What measures are being taken to address the issue of rice hoarding and price manipulation?

The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry are being tasked to monitor the situation and take action against hoarders and manipulators.

What is the significance of the phrase 'we serve the people we give glory to God' in the transcript?

The phrase suggests a commitment to public service and divine gratitude, possibly reflecting the government's stance on addressing the rice price issue.

What does the transcript imply about the current state of rice supply in the Philippines?

The transcript implies that there is a concern over the adequacy of rice supply, leading to price increases and potential shortages.

Is there a specific region mentioned in the transcript where the rice prices are increasing?

Yes, the transcript mentions Trabang Market in Sao Paulo, Manila city.

What is the government's stance on ensuring rice supply as mentioned in the transcript?

The government, through the President's directive, is ensuring that rice supply is sufficient and is taking action against those who exploit the situation for personal gain.