DILG: Rice price ceiling to be implemented properly

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Saturday that following Executive Order No. 39, the price ceiling on rice in both public and private markets would be implemented properly.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairman Attorney Don Artes on Saturday instructed Metro Manila mayors to post copies of the EO in all supermarkets nationwide.

“Ang sinasabi dito (sa EO) ay importante na dapat steady ang supply, at dapat ang presyo ay tama lamang. Kaya kailangang gawin itong temporary steps na ito,” he said.

“There must be an information drive na itong EO na ito ay ikakalat sa bawat palengke hindi lamang sa public markets, pati private halimbawa, ‘yung mga supermarket. Pangalawa, susi rito ang mga market masters,” Abalos said.

He reminded the market masters, government officials, and government employees of the possible penalties they may face if the order was violated.

“Ang importante dito tulungan ang lahat, dahil of course, ang intensyon ay para sa ating mga kababayan na magkaroon ng tuloy tuloy na bigas sa tamang presyo,” Abalos noted.

On Friday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. approved the price ceiling stemming from the surge in retail prices of rice in local markets. The price cap will take effect on Tuesday, September 5.

The price ceiling was a joint recommendation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Current prices of rice ranged from P45 to P70 per kilo.

Following the EO, the mandated price ceiling for regular milled rice is P41 per kilo, while the mandated price cap for well-milled rice is P45 per kilo.

Meanwhile, Marcos directed the Philippine Competition Commission, in coordination with the DA and the DTI, to implement measures against cartels or those abusing their dominant position in the market to ensure fair market competition and uphold consumer welfare and protection.

The President also directed the Bureau of Customs to intensify its inspections and raids of rice warehouses to combat the alleged hoarding and illegal importation of rice in the country. — DVM, GMA Integrated News