Revilla orders DTI to probe spike of price of goods in Mindoro

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. directed the Department of Trade and Industry to probe the supposed “skyrocketing” prices of basic commodities in several towns in Oriental Mindoro following the oil spill in the province.

Revilla conducted a run of relief operations in the province on Thursday morning to distribute cash assistance and food packs to the affected residents, particularly in Bulalacao, Roxas, Pinamalayan, Pola, and Naujan.

He also met with local chief executives who assisted in distributing the Senator’s cash assistance to affected families, as well as family food packs from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

According Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor who accompanied Revilla, Mayors Ernilo Villas, Leo Cusi, Aris Baldoz, Jr., Jennifer “Ina Alegre” Cruz, and Henry Joel Teves, Jr., there have been an unabated spiking of prices of food and basic commodities including rice, meat, poultry, and vegetables since the oil spill two weeks ago.

“Nakakabahala ang patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng pangunahing bilihin sa mga apektadong bayan sa Oriental Mindoro. Wala na ngang makain ang mga tao dahil nalason na ang mga isda at ibang lamang-dagat. Wala nang mahuli. Tapos pumalo pa sa taas ang presyo ng mga pamilihin!

“Dapat kumilos na ang DTI para siguruhing walang nagsasamantala sa pangyayaring ito. Wag niyong hayaan na lalong magdusa ang mga tao sa Mindoro,” the lawmaker remarked.

Revilla further stated that the department should employ strict monitoring and correct the irregularity to stabilize the price of basic necessities and goods in the market.

“Marami tayong batas na nagbibigay kapangyarihan sa DTI na siguruhin na hindi basta-basta tataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin lalo na sa panahon ng sakuna. Dapat ay mahigpit na ipatupad ito lalo na at naghihirap na ang ating mga kababayan sa Oriental Mindoro,” he added.