Manila, June 16 -- Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday pushed for the passage of a measure that will establish an agricultural information system to protect consumers and farmers from weather disturbances.

In a statement, Gatchalian said the passage of Senate Bill No. 1653, or the Agriculture Information System (AIS) Act, will also prevent the manipulation of basic food prices and ensure data-driven interventions, especially during an El Nino event.

"To prevent price manipulation that drives up food costs during weather disturbances such as El Nino, we need an agricultural information system that provides accurate data on key commodities and helps farmers secure fair value for their produce," Gatchalian said.

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