President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led a joint inspection with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at Agora Market in San Juan City, stepping up efforts to monitor the prices and supply of food and other basic goods.
During the visit, Marcos and key officials checked the “timbanagan ng bayan” (public weighing scale), Bantay Presyo bulletin board, and the market’s fish, meat, fruit, vegetable, and poultry sections to ensure fair pricing and adequate supply.
The inspection aims to keep prices in check and ensure steady supply amid rising tensions in the Middle East, which could fuel inflation through higher fuel and transport costs.
“While price adjustments are understandable at a time when fuel and transport costs are rising, profiteering and hoarding are not,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said.
He added that monitoring shows sufficient supply of rice and other food items. The government has also secured key farm inputs and is extending assistance to farmers to cushion production costs and help prevent spikes in consumer food prices.
The DA and DTI further emphasized that it is closely consolidating price data from markets and supply sources nationwide. Should findings confirm unreasonable price increases or abuse in the pricing of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs), the DA and DTI are prepared to impose appropriate price cap measures, including the implementation of price ceilings, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
To further safeguard Filipino consumers against the economic effects of the Middle East conflict, Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque held a discussion with 21 leading manufacturers for no price increase on basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPC) items on March 16, 2026, where manufacturers pledged to maintain current price levels for the next 30 to 60 days.
“We commend the proactive commitment of our manufacturers to sustain price stability within a changing cost environment. Through continuous dialogue and coordination led by our agency, this collective effort reflects a shared responsibility to keep basic goods within reach of Filipino families and to uphold fair pricing practices that support their daily needs,” Roque said.
