Because there is no reliable inventory of agricultural production in this country, controversies on supply and prices of basic commodities including sugar and rice usually boil down to one camp’s word against another. The issues end up unresolved, and no one gets indicted for hoarding or price manipulation. The latest controversy is over Indian oil sardine or tamban, whose supply is running out, according to the canned sardine association. On the other hand, Ang Pamalakaya or the National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organizations in the Philippines said the canneries are fabricating the tamban shortage to increase retail prices and push for large fishing vessels to enter municipal waters, which are reserved for marginal fishing.

The Editorial Board. (2022, September 8). Now it's sardine shortage? [Editorial]. The Philippine Star, p. 6.