Former Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization and now senatorial candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said the national government’s direct purchases from local farmers could help address food security issues.

Pangilinan, who authored the Sagip Saka Act, which lapsed into law in April 2019, said the law allows the government to buy farmers’ products without public bidding, making transactions faster and more efficient.

“It’s harvest time, but a lot of produce is rotting, not being transported from farms, and no one is buying.”

Last March, the agricultural group SINAG reported that farmgate prices of tomatoes dropped to P3 per kilogram, linking it to an oversupply issue.

The former senator urged national and local government units to identify towns and provinces where crops could be purchased to prevent farmers’ losses and keep goods affordable.

“We have a food emergency. The implementation of Sagip Saka should be a top priority to solve this issue,” Pangilinan emphasized.

He also criticized agricultural cartel groups for controlling the supply of goods and driving up prices.

Juvenile Law

In his speech at Valenzuela City Hall, Pangilinan condemned the disinformation surrounding Republic Act No. 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006.

He stressed that one of the biggest misconceptions about the law is that minor offenders are not held accountable.

“It is against the law if the child offender is released. The law says you can detain a youth offender for a minimum of one year in serious offenses.”

Pangilinan also commended the Valenzuela City government for its initiatives in helping children in conflict with the law (CICL) rebuild their lives after being involved in serious crimes.

With 52 days left until Election Day, Pangilinan acknowledged the uphill battle, especially as a Social Weather Stations survey placed him outside the Top 12.

“Our resources were lacking, but now we’re in TV and radio advertisements, and we are expecting to place higher in the upcoming surveys. Many people will know that we are a senatorial candidate.”

Before leaving, Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian promised their support for Pangilinan.

"We will do our best to support you on your way back to the Senate," Senator Gatchalian said.