Consumer advocacy group Laban Konsyumer Inc. asked the Trade Department to appoint a price czar to watch over the prices of basic commodities, determine if there is price fixing and act accordingly.
Laban Konsyumer president Victorio Dimagiba, a former Trade official, said the price czar would serve as a shield to convince consumers that the impact of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act on prices were justified.
“We appeal to the president and his economic team that a price czar be appointed to perform a specific work and mandate and lay the basis and foundation of an organized and reasonable implementation of the Train Act,” said Dimagiba.
The price czar would also have the authority to recommend charges against abusive businesses, he said.
“He should be able to direct government regulators to file charges against abusive industries and be someone without prior conflict of interest in business,” Dimagiba said.
Consumers need to know that the implementation of the Train Act is managed efficiently, judiciously and reasonably, he said.