SENATOR Francis ‘Kiko’  Pangilinan on Monday warned that the spiraling prices of basic commodities like bread could worsen hunger among children living in the most neglected areas in the country.

“Sila ‘yung mga pinakaapektado kapag patuloy na tumataas ang mga presyo at walang ginagawang lunas ang gobyerno,” Pangilinan said.

The senator called on the Department of Trade and Industry to act immediately on the looming price increases in bread products as millions of Filipinos still reel from the effects of Typhoon Odette and the Covid19 pandemic.

Pangilinan also called on the national government to safeguard the welfare of the public and ensure people’s access to basic necessities.

He made the appeal amid reports that the country’s biggest association of bread makers has asked the government allow the increase of bread prices.

“Sobrang bigat na ng pasanin ng taumbayan sa sunod-sunod na pagtaas ng mga pangunahing bilihin. Dapat maging proactive ang DTI kaysa maghihintay na lamang itong tumaas ang mga presyo na wala man lamang gagawing paunang hakbang,” Pangilinan said.

The Philippine Baking Industry Group said that the price of flour went up from P710 per sack to P995.