House to probe farmgate, retail prices gap

The House of Representatives will conduct an inquiry into the spiraling cost of basic commodities amid low farmgate prices when session resumes on April 29.

- DELON PORCALLA

Speaker Martin Romualdez said he would lead an "investigation in aid of legislation" into the widening gap between farmgate and retail prices of rice and other basic goods.

Romualdez made the statement after meeting with producers, suppliers, retailers and grocery store owners recently.

"I would ask chairman Mark Enverga of the House committee on agriculture to immediately start the investigation into the discrepancy between farmgate and retail prices of basic commodities," Romualdez said.

Enverga represents the first district of Quezon province.

"The discrepancy between farmgate and retail prices of basic goods is alarming and warrants immediate attention. We cannot ignore the plight of our farmers who are struggling to make ends meet, nor can we turn a blind eye on the burden placed on consumers," he added.

During the meeting, Jayson Cainglet of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura informed Romualdez that farmgate prices of rice, poultry, pork and onions have remained the same in the past three months, and therefore retail prices should not have gone up.