Duterte to consider proposed ASF state of emergency

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte will look into the proposal of some senators to declare a state of emergency to support the swine industry, which has lost billions because of the African swine fever (ASF).

“The President always considers the suggestions of our policy makers,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said at yesterday’s press briefing.

The Senate agriculture and food committee has been urging the Duterte administration to declare a national state of emergency in order for public funds to be realigned to address the impact of the ASF on the hog industry.

“We welcome the suggestion. It will be considered but it has not been decided upon by the President,” Roque said.

During the recent Senate hearing on rising food prices, senators agreed that the hog industry needs assistance because it has suffered P50 billion in losses.

Yesterday, Roque said that the government’s solution to the pork supply shortage, for now, is to provide funding support to the hog raisers’ repopulation efforts.

The government has also bought pigs from provinces that are not affected by the ASF to ensure enough supply in the Metro Manila market, he added.

The Department of Agriculture had reported that ASF has affected 463 towns in 40 provinces across 12 regions. The disease has so far affected more than 68,000 farmers and has resulted in the culling of at least 442,000 hogs.

Prices of pork products have soared because of the reduced supply, prompting Duterte to issue Executive Order No. 124, which imposed price caps of P270 per kilo for kasim or pork shoulder; P300 for liempo or pork belly; and P160 for dressed chicken.

The price ceiling will lapse in the first week of April.