Manila, Jan. 8 -- A PHP2-billion allocation for high-value crops under the 2026 national budget is expected to help stabilize the supply of siling labuyo (small chili pepper) and address recurring price spikes, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said.

In a statement Wednesday, Pangilinan said the surge in chili prices, with siling labuyo reportedly reaching as high as PHP1,000 per kilo, is largely due to supply constraints during the rainy season.

"Basic kasi: Pag maulan, konti ang suplay, kaya mataas ang presyo (It's basic: during rainy season supply becomes limited, which is why prices go up)," he said.

Pangilinan said more than PHP2 billion has been earmarked in the 2026 budget to support the production of high-value crops such as chili, noti...