Former senator and senatorial candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has called for immediate action to address the high fish prices in Bohol. During his visit, Pangilinan met with fisherfolk and vendors to discuss the issue and solutions.

“Food should be affordable to every Filipino. Consumers shouldn’t bear the burden of rising prices due to exploitative systems,” Pangilinan said.

Several factors are contributing to the high fish prices, including a fish cartel, multiple middlemen, and local fish being diverted to Cebu.

Pangilinan called for an investigation into the cartel and emphasized the need for direct transactions between consumers and fishermen.

He also proposed building cold storage facilities in Bohol to prevent local fish from being sent to Cebu, which raises prices. “This will allow fishermen to earn more and consumers to pay less,” he said.

As the author of the Sagip Saka Act, Pangilinan urged local governments to use the law to buy directly from fishermen, eliminating middlemen, thus lowering prices.

Pangilinan lauded Candijay, Bohol’s initiative of directly buying and milling rice to sell at lower prices, suggesting other LGUs follow the model.

He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the agriculture and fisheries sectors to ensure food security for all.