Statement of Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, Partido Liberal president, on high rice prices

With the arrival in the market of rice imported by the National Food Authority (NFA), government should ensure that affordable rice reach the intended areas for the benefit of the low-income sector.

This early, the NFA has appealed to the public against hoarding to allow other consumers to buy the cheap rice.

Authorities should also be on guard against possible illegal diversion and repacking of rice to be sold to the commercial market at higher prices. The quantity of the imported grains has certainly made hoarders and profiteers on the lookout anew for their illegal activities.

This manipulation of rice stocks results in lack of supply, higher prices, and hungry Filipinos.

With this situation lurking, the government can proactively nip this in the bud by seeking the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation in the conduct of raids and inspection of rice warehouses.

Instead of going after the 'tambays,' the PNP would have better use for its force by guarding the Filipino's staple food to make sure that they are available in the market at prices affordable to ordinary Filipinos.