The Department of Agriculture (DA) pushing the extension of the government’s P50-per-kilo maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for 5 percent broken imported rice beyond its June 30 expiry, a move meant to keep the country’s staple food affordable amid lingering food inflation concern.
Speaking at a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the DA is studying the continued implementation of the rice price ceiling and plans to formally recommend an extension.
The proposal will still require approval from the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., but Castro said the agriculture department is keen on securing a decision before the current policy lapses at the end of the month.
The move comes as the government seeks to sustain gains in rice affordability and shield consumers from potential price increases, particularly among lower-income households that spend a significant portion of their budget on the staple.
Castro said the DA remains committed to measures that ensure Filipinos have access to reasonably priced rice while maintaining market stability.
At the same time, authorities are tightening enforcement of the price cap. The Palace official disclosed that several rice retailers are under investigation for allegedly violating the government-imposed ceiling.
According to Castro, the DA has already issued notices to a number of establishments suspected of selling rice above the prescribed limit and is conducting further inquiries to determine possible sanctions.
Malacañang also called on consumers to assist in monitoring compliance, urging the public to report retailers believed to be overcharging. Complaints may be lodged with the DA and other concerned government agencies for verification and investigation.
While the DA has yet to disclose the number of retailers facing scrutiny, the ongoing investigations underscore the government’s effort to ensure that the benefits of lower rice prices reach consumers.
The planned extension of the MSRP reflects the administration’s broader strategy of using targeted market interventions to temper food inflation, stabilize rice prices, and protect household purchasing power as the country continues to navigate global and domestic supply uncertainties.
