Midterm Exam

The President was advised by his cabinet to impose a cap on the price of fuel and other basic
commodities. However, some businessmen told him not to do so because it will adversely impact
the economy. If the government intervenes on the market, it will restrict the ability of the
economy to take its natural course. The law on supply and demand should prevail, they argue.
The President, however, realizes that a big number of people will be affected if he does not put a
stop to the rising cost of fuel which will impact the price of basic commodities that the poor
need. He thinks that justice is about preserving the role of the government to help citizens cope
up with their daily lives even if it entails huge costs on the economy. From a social justice
viewpoint, is the decision of the President correct?

From a social justice viewpoint, the President's decision could be seen as correct because
it prioritizes the well-being of the less privileged members of society who rely on affordable
basic commodities. When prices of essential goods like fuel and basic commodities increase, it
can lead to financial hardships for those with lower incomes, making it difficult for them to meet
their basic needs. By limiting the prices of fuel and other basic commodities, the government can
ensure that they remain accessible to a larger portion of the population, which can help reduce
economic inequality and hardship. The President's decision to impose a price cap on these
essential goods can be seen as a means to protect the economic well-being of vulnerable
populations, which aligns with the principles of social justice. Governments have a responsibility
to protect the well-being of their citizens. In this case, the President is acknowledging this
responsibility and prioritizing the immediate needs of the population over the potential economic
consequences. It's a delicate balancing decision, and the President believes that the government
has a responsibility to help citizens cope with their daily lives, even if it incurs significant costs
on the economy. Governments intervening in the market to protect the most vulnerable can be
seen as taking steps to redistribute wealth from the affluent to those in need. This can be
considered a form of social justice, as it aims to reduce economic inequality and create a more
equitable society.