The House of Representatives authorized five of its committees to jointly probe the implementation of government programs that aim to combat smuggling, prevent price manipulation of basic goods, address hunger, as well as promote food and nutrition security.
Through House Resolution 254, adopted on September 25, the Lower Chamber led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez authorized the House Committees on Ways and Means, Trade and Industry, Agriculture and Food, Social Services, and the Special Committee on Food Security to conduct the joint inquiry in aid of legislation.
The resolution said the inquiry would be based on House resolutions filed, privilege speeches, and motu proprio investigations.
“During previous inquiries, it became apparent that one committee alone could not effectively address the multifaceted issues surrounding zero hunger and food security without overlapping with the jurisdiction of other committees,” the resolution read.
It also emphasized the joint inquiry is consistent with the whole-of-government approach to achieving food security and proper nutrition as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and Executive Order 66, Series of 2024. The executive order reorganized the Inter-agency Task Force on Zero Hunger, amending previous orders to improve coordination across government agencies.
“The committees aim to produce a comprehensive report with recommendations for potential legislation to curb smuggling, prevent price manipulation, and promote food and nutrition security,” the resolution read.
According to the resolution, the five committees’ congressional efforts are in line with Section 11, Article XIII of the Constitution, which mandates the State to “make essential goods, health, and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost.”
