DAVAO CITY (September 13) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said, there is no rice shortage in the country.
During his one-on-one interview with Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Duterte said there is no rice shortage but manifested-the presence of manipulation.
Without citing specifics, Duterte quipped, “Yan nga ang sabi ko, ‘yung iba kino-control. They are back into it again… the bad practice of manipulation to make money at the expense of your own countrymen. ‘Yan ang ayaw ko.”
To cushion the impact of low supply of rice, Duterte said, “Wala namang hinto ‘yang importation natin. But if worse comes to worst, I will open Sabah. Ayan talaga. Free for all na. Busog lahat. Mura eh. Ngayon, kung ipagbili mo dito ‘yan sa labas ng areas of Tawi-Tawi and Jolo, malulugi na tayo,” he explained
Enterprising businessmen are hoarding rice in their warehouse which caused the artificial shortage resulting to price increase.
But Duterte assured the public that his administration is working to ease the burden of the public in the midst of rising prices of essential commodities.
The President said his economic managers are finding ways to address the current situation.
Duterte revealed, he has been advocating the removal of tariffs on imports, allowing importers to ship in food products. He said he would appoint somebody he thinks could effectively manage such arrangements.
Arguing the National Food Council was ineffective, the President said he would recommend to Congress to abolish the body.
“It has not done any purpose, and it is not good. It only hinders the operation. Kasi it should be just handled by one man with the best interest of the nation,” the President said.-jap/NewsLine
