The group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) suspects that 'middlemen' caused the large discrepancy in the farmgate prices, and the retail prices of agricultural goods.
"Yung connection between retail at saka farmgate, medyo may problem," SINAG chairperson Rosendo So said on Thursday, April 25, during DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas.
House Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed on Wednesday, April 24, to conduct a congressional inquiry on the widening gap between farmgate and retail prices of rice and other basic goods.
Romualdez expressed alarm after he and House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo met with representatives of producers, retailers, and grocery stores.
The House Speaker plans to hold the investigation as soon as the Lower House of Congress resumes session on Monday, April 29.
Romualdez stressed that the government 'must take proactive measures to prevent profiteering and promote a fair and transparent trading environment'.
So mentioned that the retail price of chicken ranges between Php 200 to Php 195 when the farmgate price only reaches Php 95.
The SINAG chair also said that the retail price of pork goes up to as high as Php 360 in Metro Manila, when farmgate prices only reach Php 210.
