Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s statement that the price of shabu has increased from around ₱3,800 to ₱6,800 per gram since before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assumed office has drawn reactions from netizens.
Remulla cited the higher street price as an indication that the supply of illegal drugs has declined, making it more difficult for those involved in the drug trade to obtain them. He made the remarks while discussing the government’s anti-drug campaign and recent drug seizures.
However, some social media users questioned the emphasis on the price of illegal drugs amid concerns over the rising cost of basic commodities. A netizen identified as REM BAL remarked that the government appeared more familiar with shabu prices than with the prices of everyday goods.
“Mas alam pa ng gobyerno ang presyo ng shabu kesa bilihin eh noh.” he stated in a Facebook post.
Others echoed the criticism, with Christable Soguilon describing the remarks as a matter of “misplaced priorities.” Angela Kissme and Manuel Ranoco also drew comparisons between the government’s familiarity with drug prices and public concerns over inflation and the previously reported ₱96-per-day poverty threshold.###