Bontoc, Mountain Province – The public is advised to report or complain to the Office of the Municipal Mayor for any violation of Ordinance No. 366, S. 2022, regulating the live weight prices of hogs, pork and beef products sold in the municipality which was passed by the Sangguniang Bayan, authored by Sangguniang Bayan Member Julian Chumacog, chairperson of the Committee on Market.
Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 4, S. of 2023, which outlines the guidelines on the local enforcement of the regulation of prices of liveweight of hogs, dressed pork, and beef products.
Under the ordinance, liveweight of hogs/pigs are to be sold at 200.00 per kilogram while lean pork meat and pork belly cuts are to be sold at 300.00 per kilogram. Meanwhile, pork chops will be sold at a price of 280.00 while ribs/bones with flesh (Alas-as) and legs, head, and internal organs will be sold at 270.00 and 250.00 per kilogram, respectively.
On the other hand, dressed beef products are to be sold at 350.00 per kilogram of lean meat, 320.00 per kilogram of Soup Bones (Legs, Ribs), 320.00 of head, 350.00 per kilogram of internal organs, and 200.00 per kilogram of cow hide.
Also under the ordinance, all meat vendors are mandated to post or display a price list or price tag of their meat products in their respective stalls/booths/establishments at all times.
Any person found to have violated the mandated price shall pay a fine of 1,000.00 for the first offense and 1,500.00 for the second offense while the third and succeeding offenses will result in cancellation of Business Permit and a fine of 2,500.00.
Under the EO, violators who fail to pay the fine within 30 days from the date of notification or information of the violation shall be cause for the summary revocation of business permit. In case of lessees on municipal properties, the lease shall also be revoked without prejudice to collection of unpaid lease rentals while violators operating on a property not owned by the municipal government shall be issued a closure order by the municipal mayor.
The EO further stipulates that the violator, regardless of his place of business shall be permanently disqualified from being granted a business permit.
The said EO mandates the Municipal Price Coordinating Council (MPCC) in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to monitor and oversee price control and stabilization within the municipality.
In support to the SB’s objective which is to promote social welfare, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has passed Resolution No. 2023-015 which further approves the said municipal ordinance. **Christy Mae Che-es, Bontoc LGU
