Marcos: No Need to Hoard Food

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public that food supplies remain stable despite rising fuel prices, urging Filipinos not to engage in panic buying.

The President made the statement during a visit to a wet market in San Juan, where he inspected prices alongside officials from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Trade and Industry.

Marcos said the country has sufficient supply of rice and other basic goods, adding that authorities will continue monitoring prices to prevent sudden spikes.

He also warned vendors against taking advantage of the ongoing global situation to impose unjustified increases.

Meanwhile, Congress has approved a measure granting the President authority to suspend fuel excise taxes if needed, as oil prices continue to climb amid tensions in the Middle East.

Despite this, Marcos said the government is still assessing when—or if—the power will be exercised, noting that decisions will depend on how global oil prices evolve.