What is the truth behind the shortage of rice in the philippines?

Question

rice shortage in the philippines affects millions of people in the philippines, but is this true - that there is really a shortage?or just a gossip to keep minds and eyes off of President Gloria?

Answer 1

I do not believe that there is a rice shortage in the Philippines, this said shortage are artificial in nature which is made by the rice middlemen (cartel) who cornered all rice production for the last five seasons.

If there is a shortage, even if you have money you cannot buy rice because there is non in the market.  However, I believed that in the Philippines, if you have money you can buy rice.  Which only means that there is no shortage.  I just wonder, why is it whenever there is a calamity your president is the one being blamed?

Aris