Defense Secretary and Task Force El Niño chair Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Thursday urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to beef up price and supply monitoring to protect consumers from profiteering amid the El Niño phenomenon.

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for government intervention, Teodoro said there is a need to keep a close watch over the possible fluctuation of prices and supply of basic goods.

“Let us ensure that (an) adequate supply of basic necessities and goods are available to the general public, especially those in areas hardest affected by El Niño,” Teodoro said.

This is part of the task force’s efforts against manipulation of basic goods and commodities.

“There may be those who will attempt to take advantage of the prevailing abnormal weather phenomenon,” he warned.

Under Marcos’ Executive Order (EO) No. 53, which directs the government to streamline, reactivate, and reconstitute the old El Niño task forces under EO No. 16 (s. 2001) and Memorandum Order No. 38 (s. 2019), Teodoro was appointed chairperson of the task force, with Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum designated as co-chairperson.

Signed on Jan. 19, 2024, EO 53 directs the task force to develop a comprehensive disaster preparedness and rehabilitation plan for El Niño and La Niña to provide “systematic, holistic, and results-driven interventions” to help the public cope and minimize their devastating effects.

The President also designated the following officials as task force members: Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel Jr., Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

The DTI regularly publishes the latest suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) to inform and guide producers, manufacturers, traders, dealers, sellers, retailers, and consumers.

Earlier, the DTI assured the public that price adjustments were carefully studied and kept to a minimum to ensure that affordable goods are still available in the market.

The DTI encourages consumers to consult and use the SRP bulletin as a guide in making informed purchasing decisions. The public may refer to the most recent SRP list of basic and prime goods before going to supermarkets and grocery stores. The price guide is accessible via the DTI website.

Consumers are requested to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell necessities and prime commodities above their SRPs via One-DTI (1-384) Hotline or email, ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph. (PNA)