The government has implemented a P50 per kilo price cap on imported rice with five percent broken grains.

According to the Department of Agriculture (DA)-6, all varieties of imported rice contain up to five percent broken grains, which is why all varieties are covered by the directive.

“Ang implementation nito is inter-agency. May taga-DTI, may Local Price Coordinating Council ng bawat bayan or province, and then PNP at DA,” said Ma. Teresa Solis, Regional Technical Director for DA-6.

The price cap will be in effect until May 30, 2026, which is a relief to consumers like Marites of Iloilo City who said their budget for rice that would last them a week would now only last them two days.

“Upang maging mura at makatulong naman sa mga bumibili. Hindi mahihirapan ang mga tao,” she said.

“Upang makatipid. Mura, bumaba, makakatipid ka talaga. Kahit dalawang piso lang, sapat na,” another consumer, Didith, said.

Prices of goods have gone up alongside the prices of fuel since the start of the tensions in the Middle East in the first quarter of 2026.

In Iloilo City, prices of imported rice went up to P56 or P60 per kilo.

With the price cap, retailers who will not follow the directive may be penalized.

Retailers in Iloilo are ready to implement the directive of the President but cannot help but worry, at the same time.

“Ang mga nagtitinda nga tingi-tingi kasi papatungan pa nila. Ngunit kung volume, medyo may less ka,” said Freddie Sumagpao, a retailer.

They have implemented the P50 per kilo cap at the Iloilo Terminal Market.