Gov't warns public against hoarding of food

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government today warned the public against hoarding and creating artificial shortages of food as the National Price Council closely monitors the movement of prices and supplies especially of rice, ginger and garlic in the country.

Communications Secretary Hemrinio Coloma said the law would be slapped against those who would be caught and proven to have engaged in hoarding especially of rice and eventually add to the creation of an artificial shortage of supply in the country that leads to the current rise in prices.

He said apart from the monitoring of current price movements as well as suspected hoarders, rolling stores have been deployed to sell rice, garlic and ginger to ensure a steady supply in the market.

He added that the National Price Council, which is headed by the Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, is also looking the possible prescribing of indicative prices for garlic and ginger as they are not covered by suggested retail prices (SRPs) at present.