Price cap on pork, chicken only applies to public markets – DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) clarified on Tuesday that the executive order putting a price cap on pork and chicken in Metro Manila only covers public or wet markets.

“Itong price ceiling na ito ay para lang sa public markets. Bakit hindi pa isama ang supermarket? Para may option naman ang mamimili,” DA chief William Dar said.

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(The price ceiling is for public markets only. Why was the supermarket not included? It is so our consumers could have an option.)

Executive Order No. 124 imposes a price cap for 60 days on the said commodities sold in the National Capital Region (NCR) unless Duterte extends it upon the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Under the EO, the price of kasim and pigue should not exceed P270 per kilo. Duterte also fixed the price ceiling for liempo and dressed chicken at P300 and P160, respectively.

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“[T]he current retail prices of basic necessities in the National Capital Region such as pork and chicken have increased significantly, causing undue burden to Filipinos, especially the underprivileged and marginalized,” the EO stated.

Also read: Group of hog raisers opposes lowering tariff of imported pork

Price cap on pork, chicken only applies to public markets – DA

“[I]t is imperative and urgent to ensure that all basic necessities are adequate, affordable and accessible to all.”

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But for the group of pig farmers, the crisis will be exacerbated when the Department of Agriculture (DA) implements a ap due to the increase in  prices due to African swine fever (ASF).

Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (Pro Pork) vice president for Luzon Nicanor Briones explained in TeleRadyo that the supply of pork will only increase because no one will really do business due to the price freeze.

He said the government’s proposed P270 to P300 pork price cap would not be bearable so the pig farmers will only lose revenue.

No price consultation was also reported.

The group also urged DA chief Dar to resign due to his alleged negligence which resulted in the skyrocketing price of pork.