Rice prices up; kickback probe set

As you see there have been speculations on possible rice shortage in the Philippines, what do you think is the 'liberal' solution to the problem? Inquirer heralds the end of the decade cheap food as price escalates on its 1 April 2008 edition. Is the solution greater cross-country interdependence on Rice supply, particularly on Asia, or should the Philippines pump more money on research and development for its agricultural producation? Where lies the root of the problem?

MANILA, Philippines - Rice prices are going up, rising by P2 per kilo in public markets in Bulacan and by P3 to P4 per kilo in Pampanga, amid reports that cartels are creating an artificial rice shortage

At the House of Representatives, lawmakers are set to investigate an alleged P457-million rice import kickback involving officials of the National Food Authority (NFA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

NFA spokesman Rex Estoperez said yesterday the agency welcomes any investigation “as long as it is not in aid of persecution.”

“We have the data and records to support our claims. There is no such thing as bloating the figure of our rice stocks,” Estoperez said.

Farmers in Bulacan called on the NFA and other government agencies to go after rice cartels causing the artificial shortage of rice.

Melencio Domingo, Malolos City Agriculture and Fisheries Council head, said some unscrupulous businessmen are hoarding rice and causing the artificial shortage.