Press Release
September 17, 2018

Sen. Bam to gov't: Storm to intensify rice and price crisis, address rising prices ASAP

Aside from relief and rehabilitation efforts, a senator called on the government to work together to mitigate the effects of Typhoon Ompong on the prices of goods in affected areas.

"Patindi nang patindi ang pagsubok sa pamilyang Pilipino. Kailangan nating magkaisa upang solusyunan ang mga krisis ng bayan," said Sen. Bam Aquino.

"Tiyak na tataas pa ang presyo ng bigas at pagkain dahil sa pananalasa ni Ompong. Kailangang agapan ng pamahalaan bago humagupit ang taas-presyo sa mga apektadong lugar," added Sen. Bam, who has been pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1798 or the Bawas Presyo Bill.

Sen. Bam said the recent typhoon affects supply of goods and may lead to spike in prices, placing additional burden on people who lost their homes and livelihood to Ompong.

"Mahihirapan din pong makabangon agad ang mga kababayan nating nasalanta kung sila ay nalulunod sa mataas na presyo ng bilihin," said Sen. Bam.

Sen. Bam said the government should take additional steps to keep the prices of goods in check, in addition to the implementation of price freeze in areas that will be placed under state of calamity.

"Maliban sa pagtiyak na naipatutupad ang price freeze sa mga lugar na sinalanta ng bagyo, dapat magkaroon din ng dagdag na pagkilos ang gobyerno para mapababa ang presyo ng bilihin," added Sen. Bam.

Furthermore, Sen. Bam said concerned government agencies must ensure that there is enough supply of agricultural products in different parts of the country as well after the onslaught of the typhoon.

Sen. Bam has been working to lessen the effects of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law in the prices of goods and services.

The senator filed Senate Bill No. 1798 or the Bawas Presyo Bill to suspend the excise tax on fuel under the TRAIN Law when the average inflation rate surpasses the annual inflation target over a three-month period.

Sen. Bam stressed the need to enact his measure into law, saying it will stop the second round of increase in excise tax on petroleum products under the TRAIN Law in January 2019.

News Latest News Feed