Rep. Tulfo wants DA to set SRP on basic food items

ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to impose suggested retail prices (SRP) on basic food items to combat price manipulation by middlemen and traders.

Tulfo highlighted that farmgate prices for commodities like rice, vegetables, eggs, and meat are low, but their market prices escalate due to intermediaries.

He stated that some businessmen exploit food prices, leading to sharp increases in markets and local 'palengkes'.

The congressman emphasized that implementing SRPs on certain food items would prevent price manipulation.

This call comes after congressional hearings indicated that middlemen and cartels significantly contribute to price surges, especially for rice.