📷 pna.gov.com
AS the rainy season draws closer, the government expects the tenacity of greed among businessmen to rise, for which Task Force El Niño hinted at efforts to thwart hoarders and manipulators from preying on consumers at the onset of La Niña phenomenon.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr, in his capacity as chairperson of the task force, authorities will go after groups and individuals who would take advantage of other people’s miseries.
In a recent meeting held inside Camp Aguinaldo, the Defense chief made a commitment to provide support to concerned government agencies in monitoring the price of basic necessities and prime commodities – and hold hoarders accountable.
“Access to affordable basic commodities such as rice is exceptionally crucial to millions of Filipino consumers. Any sudden fluctuation in the price of rice resonates [in] the daily lives of Filipinos,” Teodoro said in a statement.
“Whatever support is needed by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture, rest assured we are here ready to assist them,” he added.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier claimed that El Niño would end by June.
However the state weather bureau warned against the adverse effects of La Niña, even as it called on national and local government agencies to beef up preparation even before the onset of La Niña which would mean above-normal rainfall conditions. (ANGEL JOSE)
