The senator wants automatic price freezes enforced in calamity areas and says the hunt for hoarders must reach the ‘very top’
Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Monday, November 2, 2026, urged the government to enforce automatic price freezes in areas placed under a state of calamity and to go after hoarders, profiteers and cartels as the country braces for a severe El Niño.
“We must not allow anyone to profit from an impending calamity at the expense of Filipinos who are already struggling, particularly farmers and fisherfolk who also have to buy food in the markets. During a crisis, consumers must be protected from exploitation,” Pangilinan said in a statement.
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, called on the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and the Price Coordinating Council to step up market monitoring, enforce price controls and recommend price ceilings.
He pointed to the Price Act, which automatically freezes the prices of basic necessities in calamity areas at prevailing levels for up to 60 days. For imported and deregulated goods such as household LPG and kerosene, the freeze lasts 15 days.
Pangilinan stressed that the crackdown “must not end with frontline sellers. We must target those at the very top.”
“If we go after only small retailers, our efforts will be meaningless. We must hold big business operators, owners and the masterminds behind syndicates involved in hoarding and price manipulation accountable,” he said.
Under the law, illegal price manipulation carries five to 15 years in prison and fines of P5,000 to P2 million. The senator also warned that officials who conspire in or cover up violations can be held liable.
He also asked the Department of Agriculture, the National Irrigation Administration, water utilities and local governments to repair irrigation systems, pumps and water lines and to publish water-supply advisories.
“We know that a severe El Niño is approaching, so there is no reason for us not to prepare for its effects. It is time to be proactive rather than reactive,” Pangilinan said.