The Price Coordinating Council has emphasized that its functions differ from those of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Energy (DOE), particularly when it comes to price monitoring during the ongoing oil crisis.
City Councilor George Christopher Goking, chairman of the Trade and Commerce Committee, explained this after meeting with representatives from the Oro Chamber, DTI, City Agriculture Productivity and Operations Office (APOO), and other sectors.
As early as February, before the crisis, Goking had already introduced the “Bantay Presyo” system, a local initiative designed to monitor the prices of basic goods, especially agricultural products. The council has been working on a database and information system to track prices and prevent market abuse.
With oil prices rising, the Council partnered with DTI Misamis Oriental and DOH-10 to monitor medicine prices in local pharmacies, while also coordinating with the City Agriculture Office to oversee the costs of rice, meat, vegetables, and other essentials.
Goking clarified that the Council’s authority is limited, as it does not have police powers or the ability to file cases. However, it can submit reports and make recommendations against abusive businesses during times of crisis.
