Statement of Sen. Bam Aquino on Senate President
Franklin Drilon's Call for Probe on High Prices

The public's purchasing power, especially the poor, is greatly affected by this sudden and unexplained rise in prices of garlic, rice and other basic commodities.

So I join the Senate President in calling for an investigation to find out the root of this surge in prices and determine solutions to immediately address the problem to ease the burden of our consumers.

We must exert all efforts to determine if there was collusion between market players, which led to the artificial shortage and spike in prices. Those who are found manipulating supply and prices should be punished to the full extent of the law.

The Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship is ready to undertake the necessary investigations.