Workers seek protection from spiraling prices

MANILA, Philippines — Workers yesterday demanded government protection from the spiraling prices of food and other basic commodities.

The Associated Labor Union (ALU) called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to strengthen price regulation measures for the protection of workers, particularly minimum wage earners, from exorbitant prices.

“The combined government agencies had already identified the gaps and problematic layers giving rise to these runaway prices of basic food commodities, the DA and the DTI now have to step up their price regulation mandate and level up their enforcement to further improve the protection of consumers, particularly against profiteers, supply hoarders and middlemen victimizing retailers and ordinary people,” ALU national executive vice president Gerard Seno said in a statement.

Seno noted that prices of basic commodities continued to surge despite the 60-day price freeze imposed by multi-government agency task forces from November to Jan. 17.

ALU said the DA and DTI must bring prices of these basic commodities down to “reasonable level” as soon as possible.

Seno said the issuance of show-cause orders and notices of violations on the violators of the Price Act will help address profiteering issues from manufacturing, distribution and supply, to retail levels.

“The two agencies must move beyond mere token market inspections and other media photo-ops in groceries and supermarkets, and improve consumer protection by issuing show-cause orders and notices of violations to erring businesses who raise prices right under their noses,” he added.