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Advocates Philippines
Bicol Lawmakers File Bill To Add More Goods From Price Hikes During Calamities
Photo credit: Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan
In a collaborative effort, Bicol Saro party-list Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan and Camarines Sur Representative LRay Villafuerte have filed House Bill No. 7977, seeking to amend Republic Act No. 7581 to include certain products in order to protect consumers from unjust price hikes, particularly during times of calamity.
The proposed amendment aims to add liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), instant noodles, potable water in containers, and kerosene to the list of products subject to regular monitoring by the Price Coordinating Council (PCC).
Representatives Yamsuan and Villafuerte emphasized the need to update the Price Act to include commonly used or consumed products. The Price Act was passed in 1992 and includes provisions prohibiting the increase in prices of mentioned products in areas affected by calamities and under a state of calamity. The proposed bill would also grant the Price Coordinating Council, which is headed by the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, the authority to add or remove products from the list.
The inclusion of LPG, instant noodles, potable water, and kerosene in the Price Act's monitoring mechanism is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding consumer interests, particularly during times of disaster or crisis. These products play vital roles in ensuring the welfare and well-being of the public, and their availability at fair and reasonable prices is essential.
The Price Coordinating Council, as the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and enforcing price controls, will be empowered to closely monitor the pricing of these additional items. This expanded scope will enable the Council to take proactive measures in preventing unscrupulous price manipulation and ensuring accessibility to essential goods for the public, especially in times of emergencies.
With the proposed amendment, the government aims to enhance consumer protection measures and address the concerns of Filipinos who are vulnerable to price fluctuations, particularly during challenging circumstances such as calamities. By including these essential products in the Price Act's coverage, lawmakers aim to provide a more comprehensive framework to mitigate unjust price increases and promote fair trading practices.
As House Bill No. 7977 progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders and consumer advocacy groups are anticipated to closely monitor the developments and provide input to further strengthen the bill's provisions.
The proposed amendment aims to add liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), instant noodles, potable water in containers, and kerosene to the list of products subject to regular monitoring by the Price Coordinating Council (PCC).
Representatives Yamsuan and Villafuerte emphasized the need to update the Price Act to include commonly used or consumed products. The Price Act was passed in 1992 and includes provisions prohibiting the increase in prices of mentioned products in areas affected by calamities and under a state of calamity. The proposed bill would also grant the Price Coordinating Council, which is headed by the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, the authority to add or remove products from the list.
The inclusion of LPG, instant noodles, potable water, and kerosene in the Price Act's monitoring mechanism is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding consumer interests, particularly during times of disaster or crisis. These products play vital roles in ensuring the welfare and well-being of the public, and their availability at fair and reasonable prices is essential.
The Price Coordinating Council, as the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and enforcing price controls, will be empowered to closely monitor the pricing of these additional items. This expanded scope will enable the Council to take proactive measures in preventing unscrupulous price manipulation and ensuring accessibility to essential goods for the public, especially in times of emergencies.
With the proposed amendment, the government aims to enhance consumer protection measures and address the concerns of Filipinos who are vulnerable to price fluctuations, particularly during challenging circumstances such as calamities. By including these essential products in the Price Act's coverage, lawmakers aim to provide a more comprehensive framework to mitigate unjust price increases and promote fair trading practices.
As House Bill No. 7977 progresses through the legislative process, stakeholders and consumer advocacy groups are anticipated to closely monitor the developments and provide input to further strengthen the bill's provisions.
Jun 30, 2023
