Philippines Backs Proposed P210/Kilo Hog Floor Price, But Legal Hurdles Remain

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Sunday that it is backing the proposal from the hog industry to set the floor price for swine at P210 per kilo. “Of course, we support that because the farmgate price of hogs is very low," said DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in a statement. The DA said that farmgate prices of hog vary by location, with some only ranging between P120 to P160 per kilo. But the Agriculture department noted that the government has no legal authority to impose such floor prices for now. “There is no legislation available. There is no law that allows us to put a floor price as of the moment,” said Tiu Laurel Jr. To assist local hog farmers, the DA said that it is exploring trade interventions, including discussions with economic managers to reinstate former pork tariff rates and potentially implement elevated special safeguard duties—though these steps will require time to implement. The agency is also tightening oversight of imported meat sold in public markets. Moreover, the DA is monitoring meat prices ahead of the Christmas season due to expected rise in demand. The department, however, said that price increase is expected but should remain limited. “Higher demand means higher price,” said Tiu Laurel Jr., adding that a seasonal increase of around 1% to 3% would be preferable. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News