The Department of Agriculture (DA) has warned rice retailers, traders, and importers that violating the government’s newly imposed price ceiling on imported rice could lead to jail time, hefty fines, and even business closures under the Price Act.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government now has stronger legal powers to enforce compliance following the implementation of Executive Order No. 118 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
The order places a P50 per kilogram price cap on 5 percent broken imported rice for 30 days. The government said the move aims to stop unreasonable price increases, prevent market abuse, and keep rice affordable for consumers while maintaining market stability.
According to the DA, violators of the price ceiling may face imprisonment of one to 10 years and fines ranging from P5,000 to P1 million. Businesses may also face administrative penalties such as suspension or revocation of permits, closure of establishments, confiscation of rice stocks, and cease-and-desist orders.
The agency stressed that rice is considered a basic necessity under Philippine law, allowing the government to regulate prices during periods of excessive or unjustified increases.
The DA also warned that corporate officers and employees involved in violations could be held personally liable.
To enforce the measure, monitoring teams and inspectors have been deployed to public markets, supermarkets, and rice retail outlets nationwide during the 30-day implementation period.
Despite the strict enforcement, the DA said the price cap remains subject to review and may be modified, lifted, or extended depending on market conditions.
Tiu Laurel earlier disclosed that the government is considering extending the rice price cap for “another month or two” if necessary.
At the same time, the DA is studying the possible rollout of a suggested retail price (SRP) for locally produced rice. Initial discussions point to a possible P53 per kilogram SRP in Metro Manila, although prices may vary by region.
The DA clarified that the proposed SRP for local rice would only serve as a guide for consumers and would not be mandatory, as officials seek to avoid negatively affecting millers and local rice traders.
Latest DA price monitoring in Metro Manila showed imported well-milled rice selling at around P48 per kilogram, while imported regular milled rice was priced at about P43 per kilogram. Premium and special imported rice varieties were still selling above the new price ceiling.
