Onion prices should be at P55-P65/k this week
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY Emmanuel F. Piñol said on Monday that prices of red and white onions are scheduled to go down this week, following a deal with importers in exchange for the lifting of the special safeguard (SSG) imposed two weeks ago.
“What we agreed on is if I don’t see red onions priced at P65 per kilo and white at P55 in the markets, I will re-impose the SSG,” Mr. Piñol, speaking in mixed Filipino and English, told reporters after the budget hearing of the Department of Agriculture at the Senate.
Asked when the price is supposed to go down, he responded, “Dapat ngayong linggo (It should be this week).”
Mr. Piñol said that onion price is pegged at P120 based on his latest check in the markets, including Farmers Market and Commonwealth Market, both in Metro Manila.
The agriculture chief said he recently talked to onion farmers, who told him that they have yet to harvest their crops. “I have to stabilize the price in the market. We are being pressured by the economic managers to bring down the price of onion in the market… This week, we will check, because our deal was we will allow them to import, but two weeks after, prices should go down to P65 and P55.”
“I was the one who ordered the importation. The importation will only last until the harvest starts,” Mr. Piñol added.
Meanwhile Senator Cynthia A. Villar, who heads the committee on agriculture and food, said there should be a price ceiling on onion in some areas.
That is our problem, Ms. Villar told Mr. Piñol, “ayaw niyong maglagay ng (you don’t want to put a) ceiling kasi pinipilit niyo iba ‘yung (because you are insisting that) price control (is different from) price ceiling.”
In response, Mr. Piñol said, “The imposition of a price ceiling is a presidential prerogative, not mine. I can only recommend. I will submit upon the recommendation of Senator Villar.”
Based on Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, “if the prevailing price of any basic necessity is excessive or unreasonable, the implementing agency may recommend to the President the imposition of a price ceiling other than the prevailing price.” — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio
Palace clarifies oil exploration deal with Israeli firm still up for review
MALACAÑANG ON Monday said the Philippine government and the Israeli-owned company Ratio Petroleum did not sign an agreement on oil exploration during President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s official visit to Israel last week.
In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said the deal is still subject to documentary review.
“Hindi po napirmahan (It was not signed), it is still for study of the Office of the President, but it is an agreement in principle,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said in a press briefing at the Palace.
He added, “The requirement is it has to be in writing signed by the President and reported to Congress.”
Mr. Roque noted that Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi was part of Mr. Duterte’s delegation to Israel.
“The only reason he went there was to focus on this negotiation. So, it has been concluded, but the legal documents will be studied by the Office of the President, and we will have to comply with the constitutional requirements… in writing, signed by the President and a report given to Congress.” — Arjay L. Balinbin
