Press Release
December 3, 2008

KIKO TO DTI: LOWER PRICES OF COMMODITIES NOW

As the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) finalizes today the petition of a commuters group for a fare rollback from transport sectors, Independent senator Kiko Pangilinan called on the Department of Trade and Industry to likewise act on lowering the prices of basic commodities.

"If we are lowering the prices of fuel and LPG, and we are rolling back the transport fare, why can't we lower the prices of basic commodities as well? Nakakapagtaka na kapag tumataas ang presyo ng langis, kasabay na agad ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin. Pero kapag nag-rollback na, naiiwan pa rin ang mataas na presyo ng bilihin. Ito ang dapat aksyunan ng DTI," Kiko said.

The LTFRB ordered a fare rollback to P8 from P8.50 for the first four kilometers for public utility jeepneys early November. The fare for the first five kilometers for ordinary bus rides was dropped off by P0.50, while minimum fares for air-conditioned buses have gone down by P1.

"The DTI must be proactive in its role to protect our consumers. With the hard times, it needs to explore immediate ways that will cushion the impact of the global crisis. It should impose an immediate rollback and ensure that these traders follow the terms set," Kiko added.

"Our retailers and manufacturers must show some sensitivity to our consumers. They need to play their part during these hard times, and find a common ground. The government needs to arbitrate in this situation, it needs to step up to protect our consumers because we cannot expect this to come from retailers and manufacturers," Kiko ended.

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