Pangilinan calls for gov't action on rising food prices despite low inflation

Former senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan called on the government to address rising food prices despite a decline in overall inflation rates.

Pangilinan noted that while the national inflation rate has decreased, daily minimum wages are still insufficient for covering basic expenses like utilities and medicine.

The senator emphasized that managing rice prices could help control nationwide inflation, urging the government to invest more in agriculture to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

He highlighted that the current average price of rice ranges from P46.09 to P62.15 per kilo, emphasizing the need for better supply management to lower food costs.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported a 1.8% inflation rate in March, marking the lowest rate in nearly five years, with food inflation easing to 2.3%.