Makabayan Bloc Files Resolution to Suspend Onion Importation

The Makabayan bloc has called for an immediate suspension of onion importation by filing a resolution. They have stated that the importation “will seriously affect the livelihood of the already marginalized local farmers.”

Together, Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel, Act Teachers Rep. France Castro, and Gabriel Rep. Arlene Brosas had filed House Joint Resolution 18 ordering the suspension of the importation order imposed by the Marcos administration. The legislators mentioned that the onion supply issues projected by the current administration, profiteering, price manipulation, and hoarding of onions by traders and cartels have brought about the increase in prices of onions.

The Makabayan bloc stated that President Marcos, who currently sits as the head of the Department of Agriculture, gave his approval for the importation of 21,060 metric tons (MT) of onions when the Philippines is about the enter the harvest season for this commodity.

“The rising prices of onions in the market is not merely a problem on the supply but a manifestation of the long-standing issue of price manipulation, profiteering, and hoarding of onion cartels and large traders,” mentioned Assistant Minority Leader Brosas.

According to Rep. Brosas, the reliance on importation as a way to control prices and tackle the supply gap goes against the long-term interest of the public for agricultural production development at the local level.

“What the government must do is to strengthen local production and provide subsidy for distraught farmers. But with Marcos Jr. resorting to importation, big cartels and hoarders are now off the hook in this issue that has gravely affected the poor.”

Source: Business Mirror