Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan on Monday called on government agencies to file cases against rice traders and importers found hoarding supply or manipulating prices. Pangilinan urged the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Justice (DOJ), and other concerned agencies to act swiftly and decisively, stressing that holding profiteers accountable is crucial to ensuring food security.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan expressed support for DA Secretary Laurel's directive to file profiteering charges through the National Food Authority (NFA) and its regional offices once these reports are validated. He emphasized that hoarding, price manipulation, and other abusive practices hurt millions of farmers and Filipino families, undermining national efforts to achieve food security. He called for government intervention to address these issues.

Pangilinan also appealed to the Philippine Competition Commission and the National Bureau of Investigation to assist in identifying and building airtight cases against those engaged in profiteering. He cited Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, as amended, and Republic Act 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling and Economic Sabotage Act, which both provide penalties for economic sabotage involving essential goods, including agricultural products.

The senator reiterated that food security is not solely about supply but also about justice, emphasizing the need to protect producers from exploitation.