The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking Malacañang’s approval to extend the P50-per-kilogram price cap on broken imported rice, which is set to lapse on June 30.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Thursday that the DA’s recommendation will still be taken up by the National Price Coordinating Council.
“Ito ay titingnan natin kung sasang-ayunan pa rin ng coordinating council,” Castro said in a Palace briefing.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier approved the 30-day price ceiling on imported rice through Executive Order No. 118 in May. The measure was intended to help soften the impact of rising commodity prices, including fuel, and maintain market stability.
Castro said the DA continues to monitor compliance among traders and retailers covered by the price cap. She said notices and warnings have already been issued to establishments found violating, or failing to follow, the mandated ceiling.
However, Castro said she could not yet provide the number of retailers that had been warned or served notices.
“Nagbibigay na po sila ng notice tungkol sa violation na ito, kaya hinihikayat po natin ang mga kababayan natin tungkol sa presyo ng bigas, ipagbigay-alam niyo po sa amin at sa DA para maimbestigahan at mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot,” she said.
Castro urged the public to report overpriced imported rice to the Palace or the DA so authorities can investigate and hold violators accountable.