Featured News

CEBU, Philippines — Business establishments in Cebu province have been warned: those who exploit global tensions to justify unreasonable price hikes will be dealt with accordingly.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro on Wednesday issued a stern warning against retailers taking advantage of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East by increasing prices without basis, stressing that the Capitol is closely monitoring the situation on the ground.

“Naa’y mga retailers who are taking advantage … watch out because we are monitoring you and we’re urging you, please do not take advantage of the situation,” Baricuatro said during a press briefing.

The governor emphasized that, currently, there is no shortage of rice or fuel in the province, making price increases unjustified and unacceptable.

"According to the Department of Agriculture, wala ma’y shortage of rice diri, so naa na gyud diay mga retailers who are taking advantage of the prices due to conflict in the Middle-East," she noted.

She said the Provincial Government has activated its price monitoring mechanisms, particularly for essential commodities such as rice, following reports that some retailers raised prices even before the conflict abroad escalated.

Meanwhile, Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said there were reports of rice being sold at P70 per kilo in some areas.

He noted that based on monitoring and prevailing fuel costs, rice prices should range between P55 to P60 per kilo.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier flagged the P60 price level as already alarming, prompting the province to intensify inspections.

As of yesterday, monitoring teams were conducting random site inspections across the province. The teams are expected to submit a report to the governor by the end of the week, identifying retailers or suppliers found to be taking advantage of the situation.

Speaking of the price freeze, Empaces said there is currently no need to impose, noting that rice supply remains stable at the regional level and that fuel supply is also sufficient for the next one to two months.

“There’s no need to do price control as of the moment,” Empaces said, adding that the Price Monitoring Council has been activated and is coordinating through an organized reporting system.

He clarified that primary price monitoring remains the mandate of local government units (LGUs), while the province consolidates reports alongside regional offices and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Baricuatro reiterated that the province’s actions are part of broader preparations under Executive Order No. 15, which she earlier issued to mitigate potential economic, energy, food security, public safety, and welfare impacts on Cebu.

The EO directs Capitol departments and partners to conserve fuel, avoid unnecessary travel, limit vehicle use when possible, and practice responsible consumption of electricity and water.

The governor stressed that these measures are purely precautionary and meant to prepare Cebu province should tensions abroad persist. “Nothing to be worried about. Mao ra gyud na ang purpose ana — to prepare,” she said.

On concerns about panic buying, Baricuatro assured the public that there is no shortage of food or fuel and urged Cebuanos to remain calm.

She also encouraged the public to report any irregularities, particularly unreasonable price increases, to their respective LGUs or directly to the Capitol.

Complaints may be coursed through the Provincial Government’s official page or through the Cebu People's Action Center (CPAC) hotline, which operates by district to address concerns promptly.

“We are on top of things,” the governor said, as she maintained that while Cebu remains stable, the provincial government will not hesitate to act against those who profit at the expense of the public during uncertain times. — Hannah Gresha Abayon, UP-Cebu intern/ RAE (FREEMAN)

Source : philstar