The Department of Agriculture (DA) said a presidential executive order is required to implement a proposed price cap on imported rice.
Agriculture Undersecretary Arnel De Mesa said the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) has approved the DA’s recommendation to set a temporary price ceiling of P50 per kilo on imported 5 percent broken rice for 30 days.
De Mesa said the proposed price is considered workable based on current conditions, including global rice prices, shipping costs, and the peso-dollar exchange rate. He added that the ceiling may be adjusted if market conditions change.
The government plans strict monitoring and will issue guidelines, including penalties for violations, to ensure compliance.
The NPCC said the measure aims to prevent excessive price increases, protect consumers, and maintain stable rice supply in the market.
As of March 26, DA data showed local well-milled rice priced at P45 per kilo and regular milled rice at P40 per kilo. Imported well-milled rice was at P48 per kilo, while regular imported rice ranged around P43 per kilo. Premium and special imported rice were priced at about P60 per kilo, while premium local rice was at P55 per kilo.
