Manila, Philippines – Following the recent Joint Price and Supply Monitoring conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in several major public markets in Metro Manila.
The agency reported that it is set to release an Executive Order (EO) in the coming days or weeks, imposing a price cap of ₱50 per kilo on imported rice.
Once implemented, the DA said it will immediately intensify monitoring in public markets in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), which will apprehend violators found selling rice beyond the DA’s mandated price.
According to Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra, retailers caught selling imported rice for more than ₱50 per kilo will face corresponding penalties.
Authorities may also confiscate the products of retailers found violating the imposed price cap.
However, the DA assured the public that before the EO is fully implemented, the agency will first conduct extensive information dissemination, coordination meetings, and other measures to properly inform all retailers.
The DA also stated that retailers are not expected to suffer losses under the proposed pricing scheme.
Meanwhile, aside from the rice price cap, the DA is also studying the possibility of implementing price ceilings on several agricultural products such as vegetables and pork.
Aside from the PNP, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other law enforcement agencies will also assist the DA in monitoring compliance with the price cap and other market prices.